In conference call Rep. Fallin say She running for governor

Supporters of Rep. Mary Fallin report that in a conference call to some of them on Friday, she announced to them, her intention to seek the Republican nomination for governor next year.

A timeline for a formal announcement apparently was not provided, but paperwork is expected to be filed "very soon" to allow Rep. Fallin to begin raising money for the statewide race.

The conference call involved about 30 people from around the state.

Fallin is in her second term in Congress representing the state’s Fifth District. She was the first woman and the first Republican to be elected Oklahoma’s lieutenant governor and would be the first female governor, if elected. Her first election to public office was as a state House member in 1990.

For months, speculation has focused on whether Fallin would give up her congressional seat to run for governor.

Oklahoma State Senator Randy Brogdon of Owasso and U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., have said they also are looking at the race on the GOP side.

Earlier this week, former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts surprised a Tulsa Metro Chamber delegation by indicating he was taking a look at the race for governor.

When asked a direct question on whether he would run, Watts reportedly told the group he expects to make that decision in about 45 days.

He noted that most of his children already have moved back to the state, and he said he would have to wind down some business interests if he were to make the race.

Some of those in the room apparently were caught off guard at how definite his response was.

“He all but threw his hat in,’’ said one person who was in the room during Watts’ remarks to the delegation.