Tom Cole

Republican Rep. Tom Cole says he’s decided not to run for governor of Oklahoma in 2010, further reinforcing House colleague Mary Fallin’s position as an early frontrunner for the open seat.

Cole said in a statement Monday that he believes the most pressing issues for Oklahomans — the economy, national defense and protecting their consitutional rights — are federal in nature, “And I believe I am in the strongest position to effectively look after Oklahoma’s interests by remaining in the House.”  

Democratic Gov. Brad Henry is term-limited in Jan. 2011 and Republicans are eager to take back this seat in a conservative-leaning state.