KOCO learns Ryan Walters is considering a gubernatorial run…

KOCO may want to update their slogan to: “Live. Local. Late.”

Last week, Ryan Walters stopped by the KOCO morning news couch to dodge questions, promote himself, and use the corporate news media as a weaponized tool to spread lies and right-wing anti-public school propaganda, all while mulling a maniacal run for governor.

I guess the KOCO news team was either A) unaware of his sinister plans or B) hungry for some Ryan Walters outrage engagement (a specialty of ours), so they asked him directly if he was considering running for governor.

Ryan was like "Duh" and then went on a long, meandering answer where he basically said it was something he was looking at, but he was going to wait until the end of the school year.

Yep guys. Ryan Walters is considering a run for governor?! In other news, I’m considering eating this sandwich that’s right in front of me. I'll keep you updated on that progress.

Anyway, I hate to break it to the KOCO news team, but they do realize this isn’t exactly breaking news. The “Ryan Walters might run for governor” rumor has been bouncing around the Oklahoma political echo chamber for over a year now.

Sure, it’s neat that you asked him the question and he kind of admitted it, but it’s not like he confessed anything.

He basically dodged and pivoted, something that his new PR handler Grace Kim seemed to enjoy:

Yep, we just have the current Communications Chief for the OSDE retweeting news stories about her boss considering a run for governor. Does that mean she wants Ryan to run so she can work for his campaign? Then again, I guess this could also be a cry for help. Grace – if you're trapped in the OSDE and need help escaping – let us know and we'll send for help.

Anyway, according to the Ogle Mole Network™, Ryan is still definitely “considering” a run for governor—but people close to him are “concerned” about one major thing – money.

You see, Gentner Drummond and Charles McCall are wealthy and already out and about trying to gobble up donors and endorsements. Ryan, on the other hand, is not wealthy. He’s also learning that it’s harder to raise money and forge political alliances when you’re an unpopular politician that most connected people hate.

I guess Ryan’s lack of money and negative reputation have him “contemplating” his next steps, but—either way—most Moles I talk to still seem to think that at the end of the day he’s running for governor.

In fact, the bigger story would be – what if Ryan doesn’t run for governor?

Will he stick around as State School Superintendent and amp up his efforts to defund public schools, or will he jump ship and try to cash in on school privatization in some other state?

When I get done eating this sandwich, I’ll get back with you on that.

Stay with The Lost Ogle. We’ll keep you advised.