Brad Henry
Encyclopedia
Charles Bradford "Brad" Henry (born June 10, 1963) was the 26th Governor
of the U.S. state
of Oklahoma
. A member of the Democratic Party
, he was elected governor in 2002. Henry faced Republican
US Representative
Ernest Istook
for re-election on November 7, 2006, and won with 66% of the vote.
Henry was the third governor and second Democrat in Oklahoma history to hold two consecutive terms, along with Democrat George Nigh
and Republican Frank Keating
. In 2010, Henry was ineligible to run for re-election as the Oklahoma constitution only allows two terms. His second term ended on January 10, 2011 as Oklahoma governors and other statewide elected officeholders are sworn-in on the second Monday every four years.
, the son of Charles Henry, a prominent judge and former state representative. After graduating from Shawnee High School, Henry attended the University of Oklahoma
as a President's Leadership Scholar and earned a bachelor's degree in economics
in 1985. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta
Fraternity. In 1988, he was awarded his law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law
, where he served as managing editor of the Law Review
.
Henry practiced law in Shawnee, Oklahoma
before running for the Oklahoma State Senate. He served as a state senator from 1992 until he became governor.
Steve Largent
, an NFL Hall of Famer, by just over one-half of one percent of the vote, in a race that also included Independent candidate Gary Richardson
, a retired Federal Prosecutor. Henry received 448,143 votes (43.27%) to Largent's 441,277 votes (42.61%). Richardson, a former Republican candidate, received 146,200 votes (14%).
Henry ran a campaign of "barnstorming" rural areas, and stopping at Wal-Mart stores in an RV with supporters. Henry was endorsed by football Coach Barry Switzer
, who has widespread popularity in the Sooner State and accompanied Henry to many campaign events.
On the policy side of the campaign, Henry ran on the platform of the "education governor." He argued for increasing teachers' salaries and funding for higher education in the state by approving a state lottery
to raise money}.
. As Governor, he was a member of the National Governors Association
, the Southern Governors' Association, and the Democratic Governors Association
. He is the current president of the Council of State Governments
.
Henry made national headlines by giving sanctuary
from the redistricting warrant
to Texas
Democrats in that state's legislature by allowing them to travel across state lines into Oklahoma en masse to deny a quorum for voting on a redistricting plan. "Our position is that, without a warrant signed by a judge, we have no authority. Even under those circumstances, we are hesitant to get pulled into a Texas political battle. If we're going to do battle with Texas, we prefer that it be on the football field," Henry said through his spokesman.
As a tax-cutting governor, Henry has sought a centrist stance of moderation on most political hot button issues and seemingly has appeal across party lines. Henry is pro-choice
and has vetoed legislation to mandate ultrasound viewings prior to abortion procedures. He has a mixed view of racial affirmative action, supporting it in college and graduate schools, but not in hiring for the bureaucracy. Henry supports expanding public healthcare and holding HMOs accountable for poor care; however, he also is in favor of upholding the death penalty and is against gun control. The governor supports tax cuts for the lower and middle classes and believes in keeping the income tax; he also supports using the "War on Drugs" strategy to combat methamphetamine use within his state.
On May 27, 2004, Governor Brad Henry issued Executive Order 04-21, which created the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council. The Ethnic American Advisory Council then published an English translation of the Qur'an embossed with the Oklahoma State seal which was then distributed to 149 Oklahoma state legislators. There were 35 lawmakers who declined to accept the copy of the Qur'an that they were offered.
After refusing the copy of the Qur'an, Republican State Representative Rex Duncan wrote a letter to his colleagues explaining, "Most Oklahomans do not endorse the idea of killing innocent women and children in the name of ideology." Further, Duncan said during a TV interview "I think it was inappropriate that they used a state centennial seal on a religious item."
:
:
was in office. That law was struck down by a state district court, but passed again in April 2010, whereupon Henry again vetoed it. His veto was again overridden.
In the November 7 general election, Henry faced Fifth District U.S. Congressman Republican Ernest Istook
and won with 66% of the vote. He won with a higher total than any gubernatorial candidate in almost fifty years.
OCU is a private and Methodist affiliated school and so Henry has no conflict of interest being named to the post, if he choses to apply. Henry has close ties to OCU as his cousin Robert Henry, retired U.S. Federal Appeals Judge is President of OCU.
|-
Governor of Oklahoma
The governor of the state of Oklahoma is the head of state for the state of Oklahoma, United States. Under the Oklahoma Constitution, the governor is also the head of government, serving as the chief executive of the Oklahoma executive branch, of the government of Oklahoma...
of the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
. A member of the Democratic Party
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
, he was elected governor in 2002. Henry faced Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
US Representative
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
Ernest Istook
Ernest Istook
Ernest James Istook Jr. is a former Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from Oklahoma's 5th congressional district. He held his congressional seat for 14 years, completing seven terms in the House...
for re-election on November 7, 2006, and won with 66% of the vote.
Henry was the third governor and second Democrat in Oklahoma history to hold two consecutive terms, along with Democrat George Nigh
George Nigh
George Patterson Nigh , is a popular civic leader in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Nigh served as the 17th and the 22nd Governor of Oklahoma. He was the first Oklahoma Governor to be re-elected and the first to win all 77 counties in the state...
and Republican Frank Keating
Frank Keating
Francis Anthony "Frank" Keating is an American politician from Oklahoma. Keating served as the 25th Governor of Oklahoma. His first term began in 1995 and ended in 1999...
. In 2010, Henry was ineligible to run for re-election as the Oklahoma constitution only allows two terms. His second term ended on January 10, 2011 as Oklahoma governors and other statewide elected officeholders are sworn-in on the second Monday every four years.
Early life and education
Henry was born in Shawnee, OklahomaShawnee, Oklahoma
Shawnee is a city in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 29,857 at the 2010 census. The city is part of the Oklahoma City-Shawnee Combined Statistical Area; it is also the county seat of Pottawatomie County and the principal city of the Shawnee Micropolitan Statistical...
, the son of Charles Henry, a prominent judge and former state representative. After graduating from Shawnee High School, Henry attended the University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is a coeducational public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. Founded in 1890, it existed in Oklahoma Territory near Indian Territory for 17 years before the two became the state of Oklahoma. the university had 29,931 students enrolled, most located at its...
as a President's Leadership Scholar and earned a bachelor's degree in economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
in 1985. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta
Delta Tau Delta
Delta Tau Delta is a U.S.-based international secret letter college fraternity. Delta Tau Delta was founded in 1858 at Bethany College, Bethany, Virginia, . It currently has around 125 student chapters nationwide, as well as more than 25 regional alumni groups. Its national community service...
Fraternity. In 1988, he was awarded his law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law
University of Oklahoma College of Law
The University of Oklahoma College of Law is an ABA-certified law school located on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman, Oklahoma. Currently, the College of Law has an enrollment of 527 law students....
, where he served as managing editor of the Law Review
Law review
A law review is a scholarly journal focusing on legal issues, normally published by an organization of students at a law school or through a bar association...
.
Henry practiced law in Shawnee, Oklahoma
Shawnee, Oklahoma
Shawnee is a city in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 29,857 at the 2010 census. The city is part of the Oklahoma City-Shawnee Combined Statistical Area; it is also the county seat of Pottawatomie County and the principal city of the Shawnee Micropolitan Statistical...
before running for the Oklahoma State Senate. He served as a state senator from 1992 until he became governor.
2002 gubernatorial election
In the 2002 election for governor, Henry defeated former Republican CongressmanUnited States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
Steve Largent
Steve Largent
Steven Michael "Steve" Largent is a retired American football player, enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and a former U.S. Congressman, having served in the U.S. House of Representatives for Oklahoma from 1994 until 2002...
, an NFL Hall of Famer, by just over one-half of one percent of the vote, in a race that also included Independent candidate Gary Richardson
Gary Richardson
Gary Richardson was born February 5, 1941, in Caddo, Oklahoma and is an American lawyer practicing in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Presently, he is a partner in the Richardson Law Firm, P.C....
, a retired Federal Prosecutor. Henry received 448,143 votes (43.27%) to Largent's 441,277 votes (42.61%). Richardson, a former Republican candidate, received 146,200 votes (14%).
Henry ran a campaign of "barnstorming" rural areas, and stopping at Wal-Mart stores in an RV with supporters. Henry was endorsed by football Coach Barry Switzer
Barry Switzer
Barry Switzer is a former football coach, active in the college and professional ranks between 1962 and 1997. He has one of the highest winning percentages of any college football coach in history, and is one of only two head coaches to win both a college football national championship and a...
, who has widespread popularity in the Sooner State and accompanied Henry to many campaign events.
On the policy side of the campaign, Henry ran on the platform of the "education governor." He argued for increasing teachers' salaries and funding for higher education in the state by approving a state lottery
Oklahoma Lottery
The Oklahoma Lottery, which began on October 12, 2005, is operated by the government of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Lottery is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association .As with most US lotteries, the minimum age to purchase a ticket is 18.-History:...
to raise money}.
Governor of Oklahoma
Henry was officially sworn in as Oklahoma's 26th Governor on January 13, 2003, with the oath of office being administered by his cousin, federal appeals court judge Robert Harlan HenryRobert Harlan Henry
See also Robert Henry Robert Harlan Henry is a former U.S. judge and politician from Oklahoma, and President of Oklahoma City University since July, 2010.-Biography:...
. As Governor, he was a member of the National Governors Association
National Governors Association
The National Governors Association , founded in 1908 as the National Governors' Conference, is funded primarily by state dues, federal grants and contracts and private contributions. NGA represents the governors of the fifty U.S. states and five U.S. territories The National Governors Association...
, the Southern Governors' Association, and the Democratic Governors Association
Democratic Governors Association
The Democratic Governors Association is a Washington, D.C. based 527 organization founded in 1983, consisting of U.S. state and territorial governors affiliated with the Democratic Party. The mission of the organization is to provide party support to the election and re-election of Democratic...
. He is the current president of the Council of State Governments
Council of State Governments
The Council of State Governments is a nonpartisan non-profit organization in the United States serving the state governments. It serves state legislatures, state courts, and executive branch officials and agencies, and is the only multi-branch organization of state governments in the United...
.
Henry made national headlines by giving sanctuary
Sanctuary
A sanctuary is any place of safety. They may be categorized into human and non-human .- Religious sanctuary :A religious sanctuary can be a sacred place , or a consecrated area of a church or temple around its tabernacle or altar.- Sanctuary as a sacred place :#Sanctuary as a sacred place:#:In...
from the redistricting warrant
Texas Eleven
The Texas Eleven were a group of Texas Senate Democrats who fled Texas for Albuquerque, New Mexico for 46 days in 2003 aimed at preventing the passage of controversial redistricting legislation that was intended to benefit Texas Republicans. A group of Texas House representatives, dubbed the Killer...
to Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
Democrats in that state's legislature by allowing them to travel across state lines into Oklahoma en masse to deny a quorum for voting on a redistricting plan. "Our position is that, without a warrant signed by a judge, we have no authority. Even under those circumstances, we are hesitant to get pulled into a Texas political battle. If we're going to do battle with Texas, we prefer that it be on the football field," Henry said through his spokesman.
As a tax-cutting governor, Henry has sought a centrist stance of moderation on most political hot button issues and seemingly has appeal across party lines. Henry is pro-choice
Pro-choice
Support for the legalization of abortion is centered around the pro-choice movement, a sociopolitical movement supporting the ethical view that a woman should have the legal right to elective abortion, meaning the right to terminate her pregnancy....
and has vetoed legislation to mandate ultrasound viewings prior to abortion procedures. He has a mixed view of racial affirmative action, supporting it in college and graduate schools, but not in hiring for the bureaucracy. Henry supports expanding public healthcare and holding HMOs accountable for poor care; however, he also is in favor of upholding the death penalty and is against gun control. The governor supports tax cuts for the lower and middle classes and believes in keeping the income tax; he also supports using the "War on Drugs" strategy to combat methamphetamine use within his state.
On May 27, 2004, Governor Brad Henry issued Executive Order 04-21, which created the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council. The Ethnic American Advisory Council then published an English translation of the Qur'an embossed with the Oklahoma State seal which was then distributed to 149 Oklahoma state legislators. There were 35 lawmakers who declined to accept the copy of the Qur'an that they were offered.
After refusing the copy of the Qur'an, Republican State Representative Rex Duncan wrote a letter to his colleagues explaining, "Most Oklahomans do not endorse the idea of killing innocent women and children in the name of ideology." Further, Duncan said during a TV interview "I think it was inappropriate that they used a state centennial seal on a religious item."
Administration and Cabinet
| The Cabinet of Governor Brad Henry | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Office | Name | Term | |
| Governor Governor of Oklahoma The governor of the state of Oklahoma is the head of state for the state of Oklahoma, United States. Under the Oklahoma Constitution, the governor is also the head of government, serving as the chief executive of the Oklahoma executive branch, of the government of Oklahoma... |
Brad Henry | 2003 – 2011 | |
| Lieutenant Governor Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma The Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma is the second-highest executive official of the state government of Oklahoma. As first in the gubernatorial line of succession, the Lieutenant Governor becomes the new Governor of Oklahoma upon the death, resignation, or removal of the Governor... |
Mary Fallin Mary Fallin Mary Fallin is the 27th and current Governor of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. She was a U.S. Representative for from 2007 until 2011.... |
2003–2007 | |
| Jari Askins Jari Askins Jari Askins is an American lawyer and Democratic politician from the US state of Oklahoma. She was the 15th Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma, being the second female and the first Democratic female to hold that position.... |
2007 – 2011 | ||
| Secretary of State Secretary of State of Oklahoma The Secretary of State of the State of Oklahoma is the chief clerical officer of Oklahoma and a member of the Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet. The Secretary of State is only appointed constitutional member of the executive branch of the Oklahoma state government... |
M. Susan Savage M. Susan Savage M. Susan Savage is an American Democratic politician who served as the 29th Secretary of State of Oklahoma.Savage graduated from Edison High School in Tulsa and in 1974 earned a B.A. degree from Arcadia University in Pennsylvania. She returned to Tulsa in 1977 and became executive director of the... |
2003 – 2011 | |
| Attorney General Attorney General of Oklahoma The Attorney General of Oklahoma is the State Attorney General for the state of Oklahoma. The Attorney General serves as the chief legal and law enforcement officer of the State of Oklahoma. The Attorney General is responsible for providing legal advise to the various agencies and departments of... |
Drew Edmondson Drew Edmondson William Andrew "Drew" Edmondson , is an American lawyer and politician from Oklahoma. A member of the Democratic Party, Edmondson served as the 16th Attorney General of Oklahoma from 1995 to 2011... |
2003 – 2011 | |
| State Auditor and Inspector Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector The Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector is the chief financial officer for the U.S. State of Oklahoma. The State Auditor and Inspector is responsible for overseeing and reviewing the financial accounts of all government agencies within Oklahoma.... |
Jeff McMahan | 2003 – 2008 | |
| Steve Burrage Steve Burrage Steve Burrage is an American politician from Oklahoma and the former Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector. Burrage was appointed as State Auditor by the Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry on July 10, 2008, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of former State Auditor Jeff McMahan, serving... |
2008 – 2011 | ||
| State Treasurer State Treasurer of Oklahoma The State Treasurer of Oklahoma is the chief custodian of Oklahoma’s cash deposits, monies from bond sales, and other securities and collateral and directs the investments of those assets. The Treasurer provides for the safe and efficient operation of state government through effective banking,... |
Robert Butkin Robert Butkin Robert A. Butkin served as State Treasurer of Oklahoma from 1995 to 2005. He then served as dean of The University of Tulsa College of Law from 2005 until2007.... |
2003 – 2005 | |
| Scott Meacham Scott Meacham Scott Meacham was the 17th State Treasurer of Oklahoma, having served from June, 2005 to January, 2011, having been appointed to that post by then-Governor Brad Henry following the resignation of then-State Treasurer Robert Butkin... |
2005 – 2011 | ||
| Insurance Commissioner Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner The Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner is an elected executive officer of the state of Oklahoma. The Insurance Commissioner serves as the head of the Oklahoma Department of Insurance. The Insurance Department is charged with executing of all laws relating to insurance and insurance companies doing... |
Carroll Fisher | 2003 – 2005 | |
| Kim Holland Kim Holland Kim Holland is an American politician and insurance professional from the US state of Oklahoma. Holland served as the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner until January 2011. She was appointed to that position by Governor Brad Henry in 2005, following the indictment and resignation of her predecessor,... |
2005 – 2011 | ||
| Labor Commissioner Oklahoma Labor Commissioner The Oklahoma Commissioner of Labor is an elective executive officer of the State of Oklahoma. The Labor Commissioner serves as the head of the Oklahoma Department of Labor... |
Brenda Reneau Brenda Reneau Brenda Reneau is a Republican politician from the US state of Oklahoma. Reneau served as the Oklahoma Commissioner of Labor for three consecutive terms. First elected in 1994, she is the only woman to serve as Labor Commissioner. Reelected in 1998 and 2002, she lost her bid for another term in 2006... |
2003 – 2007 | |
| Lloyd Fields Lloyd Fields Lloyd L. Fields is a former Oklahoma Commissioner of Labor. He was elected in 2006 receiving 456,373 votes, a narrow margin of just 50.15%. He defeated 12-year incumbent Republican Brenda Reneau, who received 49.85%, or 453,645 votes, after having lost to her in the 2002 election.Fields was... |
2007 – 2011 | ||
| Superintendent of Public Instruction Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction The Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction, sometimes called the Oklahoma State School Superintendent, is the chief executive officer for the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the President of the Oklahoma State Board of Education... |
Sandy Garrett Sandy Garrett Sandy Garrett is a retired American Democratic politician from the US state of Oklahoma. Garrett is the former Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction.... |
2003 – 2011 | |
| Secretary of Agriculture | Terry Peach Terry Peach Terry Peach is an American farmer and politician from Oklahoma. Peach previously served as the Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture under Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry from 2003 to 2011... |
2003 – 2011 | |
| Secretary of Commerce and Tourism Oklahoma Department of Commerce The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is a department of the government of Oklahoma under the Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Tourism. The Department is responsible for the supporting local communities, stimulating growth of the existing businesses, attracting new business, and promoting the... |
Kathy Taylor Kathy Taylor Kathryn L. Taylor was elected the 38th Mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 4, 2006, in the city's largest voter turnout for a mayoral election. She defeated Republican incumbent Mayor Bill Lafortune to become Tulsa's second female mayor, after Susan Savage first filled the post in 1992... |
2003 – 2006 | |
| Natalie Shirley Natalie Shirley Natalie Shirley is an American lawyer and businesswomen from Oklahoma. Shirley previously served as the Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Tourism under Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry, having been in that position from 2007 to 2011. She was Governor Henry's second Secretary of Commerce and... |
2006 – 2011 | ||
| Secretary of Education | vacant | 2003 - 2011 | |
| Secretary of Energy Oklahoma Corporation Commission The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is the public utilities commission of the state of Oklahoma run by three state-wide elected Commissioners, assisted by over 400 employees... |
David Fleischaker David Fleischaker David Fleischaker is an American businessman and lawyer who served as the Oklahoma Secretary of Energy under Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry from 2003 to 2008. Fleischaker has served as the President and CEO of Jolen Operating Company, a privately held independent oil and gas exploration and... |
2003 – 2008 | |
| Bobby Wegener Bobby Wegener Robert "Bobby" Wegener served as Oklahoma's Secretary of Energy from 2008-2011, having been appointed by Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry in 2008. He was Governor Henry's second Secretary of Energy, succeeding David Fleischaker... |
2008 – 2011 | ||
| Secretary of the Environment Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality is a department of the government of Oklahoma under the Governor of Oklahoma. It is responsible for protecting human health and for safeguarding the natural environment: air, water, and land. DEQ is chiefly responsible for the environmental policy... |
Miles Tolbert Miles Tolbert Miles Tolbert is an American lawyer from the state of Oklahoma who served as the Oklahoma Secretary of the Environment under Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry. Tolbert was appointed by Henry in 2003 and served until his resignation in 2008. Tolbert was succeeded by J.D... |
2003 – 2008 | |
| J.D. Strong J.D. Strong J.D. Strong is a civil servant from the US state of Oklahoma and the current Executive Director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.-Education and early career:... |
2008 – 2011 | ||
| Secretary of Finance and Revenue Oklahoma Office of State Finance The Oklahoma Office of State Finance is the Oklahoma state government agency that prepares the Governor of Oklahoma’s annual budget, analyzes the effectiveness of state management, manages the state’s budget system and makes appropriate allotments and transfers throughout the state government... |
Scott Meacham Scott Meacham Scott Meacham was the 17th State Treasurer of Oklahoma, having served from June, 2005 to January, 2011, having been appointed to that post by then-Governor Brad Henry following the resignation of then-State Treasurer Robert Butkin... |
2005 – 2011 | |
| Secretary of Health Oklahoma State Department of Health The Oklahoma State Department of Health is a department of the government of Oklahoma under the supervision of the Oklahoma Secretary of Health. The Department is responsible for protecting the health of all Oklahomans and providing other essential human services... |
Tom Adelson Tom Adelson Tom Adelson is an American politician from Oklahoma. He is currently an Oklahoma State Senator representing the 33 Senate District, located in Tulsa County. Adelson is a Democrat who was first elected in 2004... |
2003 – 2004 | |
| Terry Cline Terry Cline Dr. Terry L. Cline, Ph. D., is an American psychologist and public health policy specialist from Oklahoma. Cline is currently serving in the dual position of Oklahoma Secretary of Health and Human Services and Commissioner of the Oklahoma State Department of Health... |
2004 – 2007 | ||
| Mike Crutcher | 2007 – 2009 | ||
| Terri White Terri White (commissioner) Terri L. White is an American social worker who is serving as the Oklahoma Secretary of Health. White was appointed by Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry in 2009, becoming Henry's fourth Health Secretary and the first women to hold that position... |
2009 – 2011 | ||
| Secretary of Human Resources Oklahoma Office of Personnel Management The Oklahoma Office of Personnel Management is an agency of the state of Oklahoma that manages the civil service of the state government. OPM provides comprehensive human resource services to all state agencies and employees , as well as information for individuals interested in state service... |
Oscar B. Jackson Jr. Oscar B. Jackson Jr. Oscar B. Jackson Jr. is an American civil servant from the state of Oklahoma. Jackson is the current Oklahoma Secretary of Human Resources and Administration, having served in that position since he was appointed by Governor of Oklahoma David Walters in 1991... |
2003 – 2011 | |
| Secretary of Human Services Oklahoma Department of Human Services The Oklahoma Department of Human Services is an agency of the government of Oklahoma responsible for providing help to individuals and families in need through public assistance programs and managing services for seniors and people with disabilities. The Department is governed by the Commission on... |
Howard Hendrick Howard Hendrick Howard Hendrick is a Republican politician from the US state of Oklahoma. Hendrick was serving as the Oklahoma Secretary of Human Services, having been appointed by Democratic Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry in 2003.... |
2003 – 2011 | |
| Secretary of the Military Oklahoma Department of the Military The Oklahoma Military Department is an agency of the state of Oklahoma that serves as the administrative agency for all matters concerning the Oklahoma National Guard and other state military organizations... |
Harry M. Wyatt III Harry M. Wyatt III Lieutenant General Harry M. “Bud” Wyatt III, USAF is the Director, Air National Guard. He is an Air Force officer as well as an attorney from Oklahoma. Prior to assuming his current post he served as the Adjutant General of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Secretary of Military Affairs for the state of... |
2003 – 2009 | |
| Myles Deering Myles Deering Myles L. Deering is an Army National Guard major general who currently serves as the Adjutant General of Oklahoma. General Deering was appointed by Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry in 2009 following the promotion of Harry M. Wyatt III to the position of Director, Air National Guard... |
2009 – 2011 | ||
| Secretary of Safety and Security Oklahoma Department of Public Safety The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety is a department of the government of Oklahoma. Under the supervision of the Oklahoma Secretary of Safety and Security, DPS provides for the safety of Oklahomans and the administration of justice in the state... |
Bob Ricks Bob Ricks Robert A. "Bob" Ricks is an American law enforcement professional from Texas and Oklahoma. Ricks has worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Governor of Oklahoma and in local law enforcement... |
2003 | |
| Kevin L. Ward | 2004 – 2011 | ||
| Secretary of Science and Technology Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology is the agency of the government of Oklahoma that is responsible for technology-based economic development. Under the supervision of the Oklahoma Secretary of Science and Technology, OCAST is responsible for fostering innovation in... |
Joseph W. Alexander Joseph W. Alexander Dr. Joseph W. Alexander, DVM, is an American educator from the U.S. state of Oklahoma. He is currently serving as the Oklahoma Secretary of Science and Technology under Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry, having been appointed by Henry in 2004.... |
2004 – 2011 | |
| Secretary of Transportation Oklahoma Department of Transportation The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is an agency of the government of Oklahoma responsible for the construction, maintenance, and regulation the use of the state's transportation infrastructure... |
Phil Tomlinson Phil Tomlinson Phil Tomlinson is an American politician from the state of Oklahoma that served as the Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation from 2003 to 2009. Tomlinson served as Transportation Secretary under Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry... |
2003–2009 | |
| Gary Ridley Gary Ridley (transport director) Gary Ridley, PE, is an American engineer from the state of Oklahoma who is the current Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation, having served since he was appointed by Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry in 2009... |
2009 – 2011 | ||
| Secretary of Veterans Affairs Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs The Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs is a department of the state of Oklahoma under the supervision of the Oklahoma Secretary of Veterans Affairs charged with providing medical and rehabilitative services for veterans and their families.... |
Norman Lamb Norman Lamb (politician) Colonel Norman Lamb, USA , is an American soldier and politician from Enid in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Lamb served as the Oklahoma Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 1995 to 2011, having been originally appointed by Governor of Oklahoma Frank Keating and retained under Governor Brad Henry.Lamb... |
2003 – 2011 | |
Supreme Court appointments
Governor Henry appointed the following Justices to the Oklahoma Supreme CourtOklahoma Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of Oklahoma is one of the two highest judicial bodies in the U.S. state of Oklahoma and leads the Oklahoma Court System, the judicial branch of the government of Oklahoma....
:
- James E. EdmondsonJames E. EdmondsonJames E. Edmondson , is currently the Chief Justice on the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He was elected to this position by the other eight members of the Supreme Court in 2009 after he was appointed to the Court's District 7 seat by Governor Brad Henry in 2003.James Edmondson was born in Kansas City,...
2003 - Steven W. TaylorSteven W. TaylorSteven W. Taylor, , is the Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court.-Early life:Steven Taylor was born in Henryetta, Oklahoma. During his high school years at McAlester High School in McAlester, Oklahoma, he served as a student body president and as member of the speech and debate team, and the...
2004 - Tom ColbertTom ColbertTom Colbert is a Justice on the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He was appointed to the Court's 6 seat in 2004, by Governor Brad Henry and is the first African-American to serve on the court....
2004, making Henry the first governor to appoint an African American justice to the Court. - John F. ReifJohn F. ReifJohn F. Reif is a justice on the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He was appointed by Governor of Oklahoma Brad Henry on October 22, 2007, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of former Justice Robert E. Lavender....
2007 - Doug Comb 2010
Budgets
Governor Henry submitted the following budgets to the Oklahoma LegislatureOklahoma Legislature
The Legislature of the State of Oklahoma is the biennial meeting of the legislative branch of the government of Oklahoma. It is bicameral, comprising the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate, with all members elected directly by the people. The House of Representatives has 101...
:
- 2004 Oklahoma state budget2004 Oklahoma state budgetThe Oklahoma State Budget for Fiscal Year 2004, was the spending request by Governor Brad Henry to fund government operations for July 1, 2003–June 30, 2004. Governor Henry and legislative leader approved the budget in May 2003...
- 2005 Oklahoma state budget2005 Oklahoma state budgetThe Oklahoma State Budget for Fiscal Year 2005, was a spending request by Governor Brad Henry to fund government operations for July 1, 2004–June 30, 2005...
- 2006 Oklahoma state budget2006 Oklahoma state budgetThe Oklahoma State Budget for Fiscal Year 2006, was a spending request by Governor Brad Henry to fund government operations for July 1, 2005–June 30, 2006...
- 2007 Oklahoma state budget2007 Oklahoma state budgetThe Oklahoma State Budget for Fiscal Year 2007, was a spending request by Governor Brad Henry to fund government operations for July 1, 2006–June 30, 2007...
- 2008 Oklahoma state budget2008 Oklahoma state budgetThe Oklahoma State Budget for Fiscal Year 2008, was a spending request by Governor Brad Henry to fund government operations for July 1, 2007–June 30, 2008...
- 2009 Oklahoma state budget
- 2010 Oklahoma state budget2010 Oklahoma state budgetThe Oklahoma State Budget for Fiscal Year 2010, is a spending request by Governor Brad Henry to fund government operations for July 1, 2009–June 30, 2010...
- 2011 Oklahoma state budget2011 Oklahoma state budgetThe Oklahoma State Budget for Fiscal Year 2011, is a spending request by Governor Brad Henry to fund government operations for July 1, 2010–June 30, 2011. Governor Henry and legislative leader approved the budget in May 2010...
Abortion Override
In 2008, Henry vetoed an anti-abortion measure which required, among other things, women to get an ultrasound before having an abortion. The veto was overridden and was the first override in Oklahoma since 1994, when Gov. David WaltersDavid Walters
David Lee Walters was the 24th Governor of Oklahoma from 1991 to 1995.-Biography:Walters was born near Canute, Oklahoma. He graduated as valedictorian from Canute High School in 1969. He later graduated from University of Oklahoma in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering...
was in office. That law was struck down by a state district court, but passed again in April 2010, whereupon Henry again vetoed it. His veto was again overridden.
2006 campaign
In the Democratic Party primary election on July 25, 2006, Henry received 218,712 votes, 86% of the vote.In the November 7 general election, Henry faced Fifth District U.S. Congressman Republican Ernest Istook
Ernest Istook
Ernest James Istook Jr. is a former Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from Oklahoma's 5th congressional district. He held his congressional seat for 14 years, completing seven terms in the House...
and won with 66% of the vote. He won with a higher total than any gubernatorial candidate in almost fifty years.
2010 Term limit/8 year cap on Governor
Despite Henry's popular approval record and avoidance of controversy, in 2010 Oklahoma voters approved an additional term limit, in addition to the prior existing term limit of 2 consecutive terms. Now, the Governor can only serve a total of 8 years. This effectively prohibits the 47-year-old Henry from making a comeback attempt at a later date. source-Oklahoma State Election BoardOklahoma State Election Board
The Oklahoma State Election Board is the governing body regarding elections in the state of Oklahoma. The Board is responsible for maintaining uniformy in the application, operation and interpretation of State and Federal election laws...
2011 UCO Presidency/OCU Law Dean Applications
Henry was widely expected to be named President of The University of Central Oklahoma UCO, and had purchased a large home near the campus over a year prior to his term as Governor ending. However, the state's largest newspapers The Daily Oklahoman and The Tulsa World both editorialized against the appointment of Henry as UCO president by the UCO Board of Regents, which was appointed by Henry. Another candidate was named to the position and Henry is now considered the likely choice to be Dean of the Oklahoma City University School of Law. As Governor, Henry appointed 5 members of the Oklahoma Supreme Court and delivered the 2010 commencement address at the OCU School of Law. Experience as Oklahoma Senate Judiciary Chairman, OU Law Review Editor and considerable skills in fundraising are a few of Henry's talents that make him a frontrunner for the OCU Law Dean position.OCU is a private and Methodist affiliated school and so Henry has no conflict of interest being named to the post, if he choses to apply. Henry has close ties to OCU as his cousin Robert Henry, retired U.S. Federal Appeals Judge is President of OCU.
Election results
External links
- Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry official state website
- Everett, Dianna. "Henry, Charles Bradford (1963–)" Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History & Culture. Retrieved 10–13–09
|-