Keating says no to a run for Senator Coburn’s seat

Former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating says he won't run for the open U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Coburn.

Keating says he discussed the possibility of running for Senate with his family and supporters.

The 69-year-old Republican released a statement Monday saying he wants to continue serving as president and chief executive officer of the Washington, D.C.-based American Bankers Association.

Keating described Coburn as a "friend who has done a superb job in the U.S. Senate."

Frank Keating served as governor from January 11, 1995 to January 13, 2003.

He became a national figure just three months into his term, when the Oklahoma City bombing placed his administration at the center of a massive, international news story.

Keating was largely admired for his adept handling of the crisis, which occurred just months after he took office, and had what by most standards was a very successful run as governor.

Senator Coburn announced last week he would forego the final two years of his term, creating the state's first open U.S. Senate seat since 2004.

Two-term Republican U.S. Rep. James Lankford already has announced plans to run, and House Speaker T.W. Shannon and U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine of Tulsa are considering the race.