Native American Senator Will Run for Governor

State Sen. Enoch Kelly Haney, a Native American sculptor whose warrior statue will crown the state Capitol, announced he is running for governor.

Haney, a Seminole and Muscogee whose family followed the Trail of Tears forced migration to Oklahoma seven generations ago, is the first full-blood Native American to run for governor, campaign officials said.

Haney is the third Democrat to enter the race to replace Gov. Frank Keating next year. The others are Sen. C. Brad Henry of Shawnee and businessman Vincent F. Orza Jr. Keating cannot run again because of term limits.

Haney, 61, has served in the state Legislature since 1980.