Watts, who will celebrate his 42nd birthday Wednesday, grew up in a poor Democratic family in rural Oklahoma. He advocates tax cuts and school vouchers to address the problems of the inner city. Representing a southwest Oklahoma district, Watts won reelection this year with 62 percent of the vote, despite adverse publicity over old debts in the 1980s and unpaid taxes stemming from earlier failed business ventures. He cites that strong endorsement from constituents in hinting that he may back away from his 1994 campaign promise to limit himself to three terms. Indeed, last May, Watts joined 54 other Republicans and almost all House Democrats in defeating a GOP-sponsored amendment denying federal funds to colleges and universities that use affirmative action in their admissions policies.
Watts echoes criticism of Republican leaders made by other black conservatives.
I'm surely not running as a black candidate. But I can assure you that if your vision for the future doesn't include me, I'm going to be somewhat apprehensive about your message. That's the way many minorities feel. I've talked to them. Berry Myers said that if Watts wins a place in the GOP leadership it will mark only a beginning in improving relations with black voters.