Former Congressman J.C. Watts may make a run at the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion in 2010. Meeting with Republicans at the Oklahoma Capitol earlier this week to, “get an idea of the kind of budget problems the state faces,” Watts indicated he, “would like to do it,” when asked about running. A Republican Congressman from 1995 through 2003, Watts was also the first African-American elected to a statewide office in Oklahoma when he became a member of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in 1990.

Watts said he had, “heard people say they are not satisfied with the two options on the Republican ticket so far.” Currently the GOP ticket has Congresswoman Mary Fallin, who currently represents most of Oklahoma City and is a former Lt. Governor, and state Senator Randy Brogdon from Owasso. Fallin is kicking off her campaign with fundraising events in Tulsa and Oklahoma City on Monday. She is seen as the current front runner, but there does seem to be some dissatisfaction in the Oklahoma GOP faithful about her candidacy that Watts may be able to tap into.

Watts is not without baggage in a Republican primary, having angered some with his comments on Obama’s election. He was quoted telling The Oklahoman in January that Obama’s victory was, “a testament that God answers prayers in ways that we might not understand.” Watts has been working as a consultant and lobbyist since leaving Congress and also serves on several corporate boards.

So far the only Democrat in the race is current Lt. Governor Jari Askins, however, attorney General Drew Edmondson, whose family is a long-standing player in Oklahoma politics, is also considering running for Governor.

A victory by Watts would give Republicans their only African-American Governor. Oklahoma is traditionally thought of as a solid Republican state, but it has elected a Democrat Governor, Brad Henry, in 2002 and 2006, as well as other statewide Democrat officials. Watts may be able to appeal to both the conservative Republican voters, as well as many African-Americans who tend to vote Democrat, giving him an edge and turning a blue state red once more.