Is OK Gov.-elect Henry Cut from the Clinton Cloth?

Self | 12-09-02 | Theodore R.

[Theodore R.]

C-SPAN's "Washington Journal" on Monday had a segment with Gov.-elect Brad Henry, D-OK. This is the first introduction that most outside OK have had of the incoming governor. He appears to be in his early forties and had ten years experience as a state senator prior to being elected governor by a close margin on Nov. 5. I knew absolutely nothing about him until hearing the broadcast.

Here are some of the points that he made:

Twice he mentioned how much he admired former President Clinton. He pointed out that the "economy was better" under Clinton than it has been since January 20, 2001. He said that when it comes to the economy the "Democrats have the better ideas."

He suggested that federal funds be earmarked to help states, such as OK, with serious budget shortfalls.

He said that education and jobs growth are his prime consideration. He said that he wants his three young daughters to be able to live as adults in OK and not have to leave their home state to procure employment.

He said that he is a deacon at a First Baptist Church in his hometown (I missed the name of the town.) and that he wants OK voters to approve his proposed state lottery. He said that OK is surrounded by pro-lottery states and that the Sooners had better get into a lottery to fund "education." When asked how support for lottery conflicts with his church (Most Baptist churches oppose lotteries as "gambling."), Henry said that he and his fellow Baptists have agreed to disagree on the lottery. He had little doubt that OK would, like most states, vote in a lottery when presented to voters.

He said that we had to "work with the president" on defense and national security.

He said that Steve Largent was too overconfident in the gubernatorial race. Henry said that his decision to run for governor was seen initially as a quixotic mission (my words), but he found ways to oppose Largent on political philosophy. He seemed somewhat amzazed that he had won, considering how popular and well-known Largent was. He noted that most "anointed" Largent as governor more than a year ago.

[Theodore R.]

Can some Oklahomans tell us about their new governor? He may be there for a long time; so we had better get acquainted with him.

[Joe Boucher]

great, another stupid clintoon lover.

[gop_gene]

The Oklahoma governor's elections never really made it above the radar screen, but it was such an upset that Steve Largent lost. Don't know much above the state's politics, but how'd that happen--did the cockfighting issue have anything to do with it? Anyhow, at least he's not gonna emerge as a dark horse in 2004, but he may bear keeping an eye on in the future. After Louisiana, I think Clinton clone John Edwards will either get the nod for prez or veep.

[Theodore R.]

One of the interesting things about politics is that we have no idea how long a "new face" like Gov.-elect Brad Henry will be around. He could serve 4 years (or less), 8 years, sit out a term and come back, be elected to the Senate to succeed Jim Inhofe or Don Nickles, or just quietly retire after 4 or 8 years. But being a Democrat, I don't think he intends to make his stay in the limeelight brief. He could be a long-term impediment to Republican prospects in OK. Time will tell.