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APRIL 30, 2001

GOP candidates in Oklahoma consider the services of Tom Cole, at one time reported to head the Bureau of Indian Affairs, so essential that they won't run for office without him.

Among the winning candidates who have used his political consulting services are Rep. Steve Largent, who will be retiring from his 1st Congressional district, and Rep. JC Watts, who ran unopposed but still spent more money on his campaign than anyone. First Lady Cathy Keating, who is running for Largent's seat, wouldn't run until she knew Cole would run her campaign.

Cole's firm is one of the top soft-money contributors in Oklahoma. Cole was former chief of staff at the Republican National Committee and left the post in January.

Cole is a member of the Chickasaw Nation.

Get the Story:
Largent, first lady hesitant to seek offices without Cole (The Daily Oklahoman 4/30)

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