From Politico.com

“In spite of the fact that I might disagree ideological or politically, I think it’s helpful for my daughter. My 8-year-old daughter asked me during my second term, when we were getting sworn in, she asked me, ‘Daddy, do you have women congressmen?’ So, I think there is a psychological benefit.

It is good to see an African-American nominee for major political party. Now it’s not going to shock us as much. No more than to see the female reporter or black quarterback or black Republican or the Hispanic head coach.” - J.C. Watts, former Oklahoma Republican congressman from 1995 to 2003

Chairman J.C. Watts, Jr. recently appointed veteran Democrats Steve Pruitt and Holly Pitt Young to head Watts Partners. Watts Partners is the government relations arm of the J.C. Watts Companies.

“Steve and Holly both have a proven track record of successfully working with members of Congress as well as large corporations and trade associations. Combined, they bring more than 40 years of fundraising and consulting experience to our company and will be a great addition to my management team,” said J.C. Watts, Jr., Chairman of the J.C. Watts Companies.

In his new role as managing partner, Steve Pruitt is responsible for spearheading bipartisan political strategies for the firm and its clients. In a distinguished Washington career spanning more than three decades, Steve has earned a reputation as a respected and knowledgeable congressional legislative and public policy expert and strategist. He has served under congressional Democrats in numerous key positions, including as Staff Director of the Committee on the Budget of the United States House of Representatives and as a senior legislative and political advisor to Congressman William H. Gray, III (D-PA). Steve holds the honor of being the first African American to ever direct the staff of a major congressional committee.

“I am honored to have this opportunity to grow this firm’s presence and activities in the government relations arena. We have an experienced and talented team of former White House and Capitol Hill veterans whom I look forward to leading in the years ahead,” said Pruitt.

Holly Pitt Young now serves as associate managing partner, responsible for working with the team on client development. Holly brings to her new role more than15 years of experience working with organizations to develop successful government affairs strategies. Prior to joining Watts Partners, she served as Senior Vice President for the Political Involvement Practice at Democracy Data & Communications. Holly has worked with over 100 corporations, trade associations, and non-profit organizations to develop strategic government relations and constituent mobilization programs.

“My experience with both Republicans and Democrats has instilled in me the knowledge of working on policy issues that represents the best of both parties in a bipartisan way,” said Holly Pitt Young.

In addition, Holly has hosted events and fundraisers for more than 60 Members of Congress and worked on Capitol Hill for Representatives Charles Taylor of North Carolina and Doc Hastings of Washington State.

The Tandy Executive Speaker Series hosts prominent business leaders to disseminate leading-edge thought to Metroplex business professionals, Neeley MBA students and faculty in order to improve the practice of business. Mr. Watts gives his thoughts on this year’s elections.

Hat tip: My Urban Report

Can I get fries with that? What a strange quote!

“You can see Democratic establishments having a very difficult time dealing with Barack Obama. I do think he’s got such a special sauce, I do think it’s going to be even more challenging for Republicans to figure out how to deal with him. I do think that John McCain – I said this a year ago – John McCain does give Republicans a chance to win.” J.C. Watts

Black Television (www.btnc.tv) News Channel (BTNC), the nation’s only African-American news network, scheduled to launch in 2009, today announced a multi-year carriage agreement with Comcast, the country’s leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services. Under the agreement, BTNC expects that it will be added to Comcast systems in the following key African American markets: Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Baltimore.

BTNC will be a 24/7 cable news network that provides original news programming with a distinctly African-American perspective, and therefore helps fill a major gap in today’s media. BTNC is the endeavor of J.C. Watts, Jr., former U.S. congressman from Oklahoma and celebrated athlete, and broadcast and cable news veterans.

“Our unique and vast content partnerships with African American newsmakers will provide our viewers LIVE access to the stories and people in whom our viewers have a special interest,” said Watts. “With this agreement, Comcast continues to demonstrate its commitment to working with independent programmers with diverse points of view.”

BTNC will construct the first coast-to-coast all high-definition television newsgathering infrastructure with its network operations center located in Washington, DC.

Hat tip: Blogs for McCain:

Here is an interview with Sen. John McCain done last night, March 6, 2008, by Atlanta station WXIA-TV. Just click here to go to the interview. McCain is asked about his coming
Vice-Presidential Choice and other issues such as tax cuts and containing pork barrel spending. Interestingly, McCain himself mentions the names of Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and J.C. Watts of Oklahoma in the discussion of Vice-Presidential possibilities. That’s the first I have heard him do that.

According to a poll conducted by Right-Wing News, answered by 1300 readers, The top three of McCain’s popular rumored options for a vice presidential runningmate were Fred Thompson, J.C. Watts, and Duncan Hunter. Oklahoma’s Senator Tom Coburn ranked 16th out of 20.

The blogosphere is abuzz with the prospect, as is the main-stream media. This blogger is collecting signatures for a petition to John McCain.

Even Canadian Bloggers are asking, “Who Will McCain Choose As His Running Mate: The Charmer Or The Quarterback?”

RedStater Mat Pruitt summarizes much of what is being discussed online about Watts’ suitability as a runningmate for McCain, which is that this duo would represent good strategy for the Republican Party, regardless of whether or not they are successful in winning the WhiteHouse:

I have three main criteria that I hope Senator McCain will follow in picking a running mate:

1. That the individual be from the South;
2. That they be able to consolidate both religious and economic conservatives, and;
3. That they be able to bring new voters into the fold and expand the Republican base.

[…]

He is an unapologetic social conservative, a former pastor, former Oklahoma Corporate Commissioner and Congressman, former college football star, and currently a successful business man, national pundit, and a board member of such organizations as the Boy Scouts of America. More importantly, JC is a true believer in free market economics, and consistently for more defense, less government overall, and lower taxes. Watts can speak to the Huckabee, Romney, Thompson, and McCain voting blocks with out batting an eye, and without having his sincerity questioned.

I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t appreciate the fact that Watts is an African American, I do. I am against affirmative action, but believe it makes sense for Republicans to recruit minority candidates….(more)

No word, yet, on whether J.C. Watts or McCain are as excited about the prospect of a McCain-Watts ‘08 ticket, as Watts’ fans are.

Recently, OKPNS reported that J.C. Watts was being considered as a runningmate for then-Presidential hopeful Fred Thompson.

The Draft J.C. Watts for Vice President blog points out that John McCain has recently stated what he believes are the criteria for a running mate:

The fundamental principle behind any selection of a running mate would be whether that person is fully prepared to take over, and shares your values, your principles, your philosophy and your priorities…I think that’s the first and only real criteria for the selection of a running mate.

The internet buzz for this nomination is growing, but will this influence the decision of the Republican nominee? Only time will gell.

This makes two prominent Oklahomans who are on the shortlist for consideration; the other, as OKPNS reported recently is Senator Tom Coburn.