GOP's Only Black Congressman To Quit

Rep. J.C. Watts of Oklahoma, the only black Republican in Congress and a member of the House GOP leadership, said Monday that he intends to retire at the end of his term.

"It has been a wonderful ride. It has been a wonderful journey. Of course, the work of America is never done, but I believe my work in the House of Representatives at this time of my life is completed," Watts said at a news conference in Norman, where he was a football star for the University of Oklahoma before entering politics.

"It is time to return home, to go on with other things in my life and assuming one of the most honored titles in America, citizen."

Watts, 44, was first elected to the House in 1994. He joined the leadership four years ago, in the fourth-ranking position of chairman of the House Republican Conference.

His departure could give Democrats an opportunity to pick up a seat in the battle for control of the House this fall.

In recent weeks, Watts has talked about the possibility of retiring from Congress with a number of lawmakers and also discussed it with President Bush, aides said.

As the only black Republican in Congress, Watts has drawn criticism from black Democrats, who attack his conservative views.

Yet Watts has won the respect of fellow Republicans, who put him in a leadership position, as well as of his Oklahoma constituents, who elected him four times, most recently in 2000 with 65 percent of the vote.

Watts is an ordained minister who was a star quarterback at the University of Oklahoma and played in the Canadian Football League before entering politics.

He considered retiring from Congress in 2000, but House Speaker Dennis Hastert, an Illinois Republican, helped convince him to seek a fourth term.

Watts became the second House Republican leader to decide against re-election. Earlier this year, House Majority Leader Dick Armey if Texas announced his retirement at the end of 2002.

Watts had considered trying to replace Armey, but decided against a bid when it became clear Rep. Tom DeLay, another Texas Republican and the chamber's majority whip, had the votes to succeed Armey as their party's House leader.