Former OK Governor Frank Keating Tests Presidential Waters

The Daily Oklahoman ran an exciting feature story for the Republican party in today's paper discussing a trip to South Carolina by former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating.  The move is said to indicate that Keating is exploring his options for making a 2008 run for President.

While the race may have long odds, some high profile Republicans have already expressed positive sentiments toward the run- including National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Cole who happens to be a fellow Oklahoman. 

 

Cole was quoted as saying:

 

I think he's an enormously attractive candidate. I happen to think there's an opening in the field for someone with his particular belief structure.

 

[Link]

 

Cole's comments hit at the heart of Keating's rationale: what makes the run so compelling is the vacuum of a tried and true "Reagan" Conservative.  Keating would certainly fit the bill in his consistent, socially conservative positions along with his penchant for promoting fiscal discipline through smaller government.  His record in Oklahoma speaks for itself. 

 

Keating's obvious pitfalls are name recognition and fundraising.  To some extent, a Keating run would be mitigated by his tenure as Governor hearkening back to a lengthy record of accomplishment for the Sooner State.  Among Republican fundraising circles, Keating is stranger either.  Keating was one of President Bush's stanchest supporters in his bid for the Presidency traveling to some 25 states during the campaign.  Townhall's Bob Novack is also quick to point out in today's column that Keating was on Bush's shortlist for VP back in 2000.

 

[Link]

 

Keating in '08?  Stranger things have happened.