State's Most Influential Political Figures...And Why

Analysis & Commentary
By Mike McCarville

This list was compiled with the input and advice of political insiders on both sides of the aisle. The quotes are theirs, most of the conclusions are mine. I asked 16 respected individuals to submit nominations; they suggested a total of 31 men and women and two groups. Every member of the congressional delegation was suggested, as were the editorial boards of The Oklahoman and the Tulsa World, consultants, staff members, elected officials and several prominent business leaders. Thus, there's nothing objective about this list; it is a subjective one based on their input, my own observations and 40-plus years of experience in Oklahoma politics and government. Consider this Part I in a series. I made no attempt to rank those on this list; they are presented in alphabetical order.

Lt. Governor Jari Askins, Democrat: "Hardest working elected official in the state," said a fellow Democrat. "She’s everywhere, and takes the time to make everyone feel important. Askins will carry more political capital into the 2010 governor’s race than anyone else."

David Boren, University of Oklahoma president, Democrat: The former governor and U. S. senator wags his finger and gets anything he wants, proof positive he's arguably the state's most influential political figure and now, with friend Glen Johnson as higher education chancellor, has an even greater impact on the direction of higher education in the state. Boren's national connections have emphasized OU's prominence and a long string of famous names as guest speakers shows his long reach. Forty years ago, when Boren was a young back-bencher in the State House, I wrote a Tulsa Tribune op-ed piece predicting he'd one day become governor. Little did I know....

Rep. Lance Cargill, House speaker, Harrah Republican: The youngest House speaker in the nation has surprised many with his (apparent) non-stop flow of ideas, energy and initiatives. His "100 Ideas" has been generally well received and embraced by many in both parties. He's had a few bumps in the road and now faces an Ethics Commission investigation into fundraising activities and thus, has become a target of some Democrats. Nonetheless, Cargill's star remains bright.

Senator Harry Coates, Seminole Republican: "Harry is the one member of the Senate for whom I would take a bullet," said an admirer of the opposite party who sits not far from Coates. "He is honest, has the courage to stand up to his leadership when he believes they are wrong. He speaks on the floor rarely, but when he does it is with great eloquence. When I grow up, I want to be Harry Coates." I watched Coates in his first campaign and shared a platform with him and State House candidate Dan Boren in Cromwell. I was impressed with how he worked the crowd and his grasp of the issues folks wanted to discuss.

Senator Glenn Coffee, co-president pro tem, Republican: "Amazing strategic ability, extraordinary work ethic to implement strategy. I don’t think Glenn has a dishonest bone in his body, and he plays the game as well as anyone I have ever seen. A much under-rated leader in the GOP." The quote is from a Senate colleague who is a Democrat. Similar comments came from Republicans who nominated him for this list.

Congressman Tom Cole, 4th District Republican: Any examination of influence in Oklahoma politics in the past two decades must include Cole, who has worn more hats in and out of government than anyone else on this list. From the Oklahoma Republican Party to the Oklahoma Legislature to the governor's office to the secretary of state's office to management of the Republican National Congressional Committee to Congress, Cole's influence has been pervasive. As an Oklahoma political consultant, he advised and elected many of the state's GOP office-holders and did the same in numerous political races across the country. "Well connected" seems a weak description, but it is apt for this astute networker of national prominence.

Pat Hall, lobbyist, Democrat: Enormous level of energy. Was able to effectively shed the “Democratic hack” label and emerge as one of the most effective lobbyists at the Capitol. "The partnership he has with former Senator Jim Dunlap puts two great guys together," said one admirer of the same party.

Governor Brad Henry, Democrat: His detractors hurl the labels ("Governor Late," "The Gambling Governor" but voters love him despite what some say are his warts. With an approval rating consistently in the 75 percent range, Henry rivals David Boren's popularity in Boren's elective politics heyday. With a solid staff of veteran operatives with cool heads and a "Make No Mistakes" mantra, Henry has tip-toed through his first five years in office untouched by political foes. Unlike his predecessor, Republican Frank Keating, Henry watches his words and thus, has avoided the controversies that visited Keating as a result of his quips. Henry's speaking style is sometimes painful to observe, but it only seems to reinforce his connection with citizens who have shown they will forgive lack of eloquence for civility and substance.

Treasurer Scott Meacham, Democrat: "Only for his relationship with an enormously popular governor," is he nominated for this list, one respected, senior Democratic official said. "He has no personality, no ability to persuade, but he has hitched his star to Brad Henry’s wagon and that has taken him farther in politics than his natural gifts ever would have taken him." This assessment of Meacham was echoed by all but one of those who said he should be on this list; it seems the concensus that he's a cold fish but by virtue of the power Henry has vested in him, has the clout that gets him on a list like this.

Tom Price, Sr. Vice President, Chesapeake Energy: "Works both sides of the aisle, and keeps his word. He is a company man, to be sure. He is either respected, feared, or hated, depending on who you talk to – but you always know where he stands."

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