Hotline On Call

Former Rep. J.C. Watts could rightfully be defined as a jock -- he starred as the University of Oklahoma's quarterback in the late 1970s before playing professionally in Canada -- but that doesn't mean he doesn't understand arithmetic.

Watts, who's considering a run for chairman of the Republican National Committee, has strong convictions and ideas about how to reform the Republican brand. He would bring charisma and diversity to the RNC. There's just one problem: Chairman Reince Priebus says he has the votes to win a second term -- and Watts believes him.

"The chairman says he has 150 out of 168 votes," Watts told Hotline On Call, referring to Priebus's recent statement declaring his candidacy for reelection. "That tells me the RNC isn't ready for change."

Still, Watts insisted that he hasn't ruled out a run entirely, and said several committee members are urging him to run against Priebus.

"I've not drawn any conclusions," said Watts, adding that he's in no hurry to decide because he would only need "a good 30 days to make it happen" if he does enter the race. The RNC meets to elect a chairman on January 23 in Charlotte.

"I want to get through the [college football] bowl season and see where we are," Watts said, adding with a laugh: "I'm a whole lot more concerned about the University of Tulsa beating Iowa State in the Liberty Bowl than I am about the RNC chairman's race."