UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / From the desk of Tom Cole
Iwas deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of my dear friend and distinguished public servant, Wes Watkins of Stillwater, Oklahoma. Wes was a remarkable man and had a brilliant career in Congress, serving on two of the House’s most powerful committees, the Appropriations Committee and the Ways and Means Committee. Amazingly, he did so first as a Democrat (1977-1991) and then as a Republican (1997-2003). Wes also served as a State Senator in the 1970s and twice ran for Governor of Oklahoma (1990 and 1994), first as a Democrat and then as an Independent.
Even though they ran against one another in a three-way race, former Governor Frank Keating nominated Wes for a cabinet level position in his first Administration. However, the Democratic dominated State Senate of that era refused to confirm his nomination — but Wes had the last laugh the next year when he reclaimed his old congressional seat as a Republican.
Wes was the only person in Oklahoma history to carry a congressional seat as a Democrat, as an Independent in his 1994 Governor’s race, and finally as a Republican. No politician was ever as popular in the historic Third District, also known as Little Dixie. Wes Watkins’ remarkable electoral journey both symbolized and propelled Oklahoma’s own political transformation.
I was privileged to serve as Wes’ lead political consultant in his final three congressional campaigns. I never worked for a more popular figure in a congressional district or a harder working man or a more energetic and effective campaigner than Wes. He was an institution in southeast Oklahoma, serving his constituents ably, honorably, and tirelessly throughout his political career.
Wes Watkins may have changed political parties, but he never changed his political principles. He also never lost his passion for public service or let down the people he worked so hard to represent.
Wes Watkins loved three things above all else – his family, the people of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State University. He served all of them with love, dedication, and genuine distinction.
The soulmate and cherished partner of Wes Watkins’ life was his beloved wife, Lou. You literally cannot think of one without thinking of the other.
Their marriage was truly a match made in heaven. I will miss my friend Wes. The people of Oklahoma will miss him more. As one of his television ads once claimed, there simply was ‘no better man.’
I extend my deepest sympathies to Lou, Wes’ children and grandchildren, and to all of Wes Watkins’ countless friends, former staffers, and admirers. Oklahoma has lost one of its favorite sons, most distinguished public servants, and ardent champions,” said Congressman Cole.
U.S. Congressman Tom Cole
