Watts Leaving GOPAC; Official Denies Pressure

Former Congressman J. C. Watts is leaving the chairmanship of GOPAC, the Republican Party's premier candidate recruitment and training organization, but a GOPAC official who confirmed that today denies there's any connection between his departure and anger over his endorsement of Democrat Cody Graves in last year's Corporation Commission race.

The confirmation came in a statement faxed to Oklahoma City radio station KTOK.

Earlier, sources said Watts was being forced out because he endorsed Graves over Republican Commissioner Bob Anthony, and dissention because he, as a GOP leader, had endorsed a Democrat over a Republican.

Subsequently, Congressman Tom Cole, Watts' political mentor who now heads the National Republican Congressional Committee, denied that he and others were angry over the Graves endorsement. Today's announcement from GOPAC Executive Director John Morgan reiterated that position, saying neither Cole nor former Governor Frank Keating are upset with Watts as several sources had contended.

Morgan said Watts gave notice he intended to step down last summer. Morgan said GOPAC will have an announcement soon about his replacement.

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