Rumors Swirl Around Nichols

What's up with State Senator Jonathan Nichols, Norman Republican? Rumors are swirling that Nichols, who is the Senate GOP Caucus chairman, may be about to resign his seat to accept a federal post, probably that of magistrate. Capitol sources tell TMRO that Nichols last week suggested to his executive assistant that she resign because she would no longer be needed. Another Capitol worker confirmed the request, but attempts to reach the executive assistant were unsuccessful, as were attempts to reach Nichols. Nichols was elected to the Senate District 15 seat in 2000 and reelected in 2004. He is a former Cleveland-McClain County assistant district attorney and graduate of the University of Oklahoma Law School. Nichols is a close friend of 4th District Congressman Tom Cole and there's speculation Cole has helped Nichols in contacts with U. S. Senators Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe, who would recommend someone for a federal opening in the state. But that speculation apparently is off base. Following our initial story, Cole's district director, John Woods, told TMRO that Cole knows nothing about Nichols' situation. Woods said he, like others, has heard the speculation. Should Nichols resign, another Senate seat would become an open seat race in a year when Republicans are poised to take over the Senate they have never controlled, and the political considerations apparently have come into play.

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