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Nickles won't seek re-election to U.S. SenateVeteran conservative says Senate not 'lifetime position'
(CNN) -- U.S. Sen. Don Nickles, R-Oklahoma, announced Tuesday he will not seek re-election to the Senate next year for a fifth term, but promised to remain "very active" in state and national politics. "It's been a pleasure to serve with four presidents, seven majority leaders," said Nickles, who will serve the remaining 15 months of his term. The 54-year-old senator, who has carved out a reputation as a solid conservative, was first elected in 1980. "I've never considered the Senate as a lifetime position," he said. Nickles, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, made the announcement at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. He said he will remain involved in Oklahoma issues and will be active in state politics, including congressional and state legislative races. Also, he said he will continue his work to promote political, economic and religious freedom. He will work for the Republicans in the coming presidential election and campaign against Democratic candidate Howard Dean, saying that he is concerned Dean would undo tax cut legislation supported by the GOP. "I don't want him to be elected president," Nickles said about Dean, the former Vermont governor. "I'm going to be very active in the presidential race." Dean is one of nine Democrats seeking his party's presidential nomination. Nickles, who started his job when Ronald Reagan began his presidency, said great strides were accomplished during that time, and since. Nickles recalled the "wonderful feeling" at witnessing the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. Former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts has been mentioned as a possible candidate for Nickles' seat, but sources close to Watts say he is unlikely to run. Rep. Ernest Istook, a Republican congressman, is said to be interested in running. Rep. Brad Carson is the leading Democrat in the 2004 race. --CNN Congressional Producer Steve Turnham contributed to this report.
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