Majority of state's congressional delegation gives Bush `thumbs up'

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Feb 20, 2001

TULSA (AP) -- Seven of the eight members of Oklahoma's congressional delegation met with members of a state press group Saturday, with many saying President George W. Bush seems to have gotten off on a good foot in Washington.

But whether Bush will blossom in the coming months will depend on several factors including whether his proposed tax cut passes, Congressional members said.

U.S. Sens. Don Nickles and Jim Inhofe and U.S. Reps. J.C. Watts, Steve Largent, Brad Carson, Ernest Istook and Frank Lucas held a forum at the Oklahoma Press Association's Mid-Winter Convention at the Adam's Mark hotel in Tulsa.

U.S. Rep. Wes Watkins had another appointment and was unable to attend the forum.

Watts said he expected a vote on Bush's tax bill before the Fourth of July.

While the bill is expected to face a tough fight from Democrats, Carson -- the lone Democratic member of Oklahoma's Congressional delegation -- said it is in the interest of his party to work with Republicans on that and other issues.

The Senate is split 50-50 between the two parties with Republican Vice President Dick Cheney able to break tie votes. Republicans hold a four-seat edge in the House.

Nickles said Bush is off "to a great start," but cited the sometimes bitter Senate confirmation hearings for Attorney General John Ashcroft as a difficult spot.

Inhofe said that Bush's promise to boost the defense budget will fight what he called "lost respect around the world."

Largent said "the issue at hand is leadership, and I'm optimistic that President Bush can provide the type of leadership that is necessary."

Istook said Bush can work well with Congress because he has focused on "civility and courage," and stayed away from polarizing statements criticizing the Clinton administration.

Lucas said the "ability and balance he has shown so far ... are the same ability and balance that will cause things to be done."