Oklahoma City Mayor Joins Congressional Race

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett says he wants to be the state's next 5th Congressional District representative.<br/><br/>The 47-year-old Cornett yesterday joined a five-candidate

Friday, May 12th 2006, 6:07 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett says he wants to be the state's next 5th Congressional District representative.

The 47-year-old Cornett yesterday joined a five-candidate field for the Republican nomination for the seat.

Other candidates are Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin; state Representatives Fred Morgan and Kevin Calvey; Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode; and Doctor Johnny -B- Roy.

Democratic nominees include Oklahoma County Court Clerk Patricia Presley, Bert Smith and Doctor David Hunter.

Cornett has been mayor since 2004 when he was elected to serve out the unexpired term of former Mayor Kirk Humphreys. He was re-elected to a full four-year term earlier this year.

Cornett says Oklahoma City is experiencing, quote, "breathtaking progress" under his leadership. He helped bring a Dell call center to the city and the NBA's New Orleans Hornets.

Fallin's campaign manager says the lieutenant governor isn't surprised by Cornett's decision.

Denise Northrup says Cornett's presence in the race will affect others vying for a runoff spot.