Sen. Nickles quiet on re-election bid

Sac Bee ^ | 4/21/03 | AP

[NormsRevenge]

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Politicians wondering whether Sen. Don Nickles will run for a record-setting fifth term are closely watching his bank account.

The Oklahoma Republican has raised just $53,600 so far this year, and his campaign has $437,750 in the bank.

[NormsRevenge]

Nickles' decision could hinge on President Bush's tax cut proposal.

As chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Nickles sponsored the $726 billion tax package only to watch as a couple of fellow Republicans derailed the package out of concern that wartime is no time for a major tax cut.

I would also wonder if being passed over for Majority Leader might come into play. just speculating.

[jbstrick]

Ping!

[ken5050]

If he doesn't run.....is it Watts?..

[JohnnyZ]

He had been planning on not sticking around, but the possibility of being majority leader kept him interested. However, now that Frist is ML, Nickles might hit the road. Doesn't believe in the rule of career politicianing.

JC Watts for Senate!

[EternalVigilance]

I really, really like Senator Nickles. Thought he should have been ML.

But the fact is that Istook is no slouch either.

Either way, the seat is a lock for Republicans. Oklahoma is about as solid as it gets these days.

[dark_lord]

With Fitzgerald (IL Republican Senator) definitely not running again, it may be in 2004 that the Rats are back in play for the Senate.

[Tai_Chung]

his campaign has $437,750 in the bank

Does he get to keep the money if he retires?

[GiveEmDubya]

Didn't he just get a big committee chairmanship? Yeah I know he wanted to be Majority Leader but I don't think he wants to give up his gavel that quickly, especially at this stage in the game where it appears the GOP will pad its Senate majority and he can have the chair for at least the next few years.

[The Old Hoosier]

I'd definitely take Istook, too. Almost anyone in that congressional delegation would make a great addition to the U.S. Senate.

[The Old Hoosier]

He did, but he also got screwed by the liberal Republicans.

[fieldmarshaldj]

"Either way, the seat is a lock for Republicans. Oklahoma is about as solid as it gets these days."

The new 'Rat Governor would find that statement amusing. If Nickles drops out and the 'Rats can pursuade David Boren to make a comeback, we're screwed. In any case, somebody needs to page J.C. Watts... his Senate seat awaits him.

[RockyMtnMan]

Sen. Don Nickles will run for a record-setting fifth term

What about Ted "Chappawhat?" Kennedy, he's been in office since 1962!

[writmeister]

Maybe record setting for Oklahoma.

[GiveEmDubya]

Byrd has been a Senator since the 1950s! 1959 to be exact.

[JohnnyZ]

I seem to remember something about Strom Thurmond, too . . .

[kjam22]

I'm an okie that has always voted for Nichols. It would be sad if he decides not to run..... but if he does I WILL? You guys would vote for me wouldnt' you?? Please send all your campaign contributions to "The Committee to Elect Kjam22 to Senate" Thank you for your support. :)

[GiveEmDubya]

Yep, Strom started in 1954, ended in 2003. 23 years in the Senate is nothing compared to these guys.

[KriegerGeist]

"With Fitzgerald (IL Republican Senator) definitely not running again, it may be in 2004 that the Rats are back in play for the Senate."

I agree. Anyone that thinks that the Senate may even gain enough Republican seats 2004 to make the "super majority" is dreaming.

The majority we have now is weak and practically worthless with Chafee, Collins, Snowe, Specter McCain and even the new Senator Coleman of MN...just to name a few...

With that many RINOS, what's a few more DemonRATS?

[Delphster]

Or how about Steve Largent ?

[kjam22]

The new 'Rat Governor would find that statement amusing. If Nickles drops out and the 'Rats can pursuade David Boren to make a comeback, we're screwed.

Boren won't run. He's already got the best job in the whole world. (he's Bob Stoops' boss)