GOP officials consider running for congressional seat

Wednesday, September 14th 2005, 5:50 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Should Oklahoma Congressman Ernest Istook[pictured] decide to run for governor, two Republicans holding state offices may jump in the race to replace him.

Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin and Del City state Representative Kevin Calvey say they're considering a run for the Fifth Congressional District. Oklahoma City teacher Bert Smith, a Democrat, also has said he will seek the seat.

Fallin says she's received many phone calls and visits asking her to consider running for Congress.

Calvey sent an e-mail to constituents asking whether he should run for the seat.

In a phone interview with The Oklahoman after returning from National Guard duty in New Orleans, Calvey said a number of people have asked him to run, too.

Fallin was elected in 1994, becoming Oklahoma's first Republican and first woman lieutenant governor. She was re-elected in 1998 and 2002 and has decided against a run for governor next year.

Voters have elected Calvey to five two-year terms. Term limits will force him out of office in 2010.