Henry, Fallin Prepare For Transition

From The Oklahoman ~ Democratic Gov. Brad Henry called his Republican successor Wednesday "an outstanding, capable veteran" to lead the state with distinction, while Gov.-elect Mary Fallin said she is ready to make government smaller and more efficient and to push for legislation to improve the state's business climate.

Fallin, a Republican congresswoman from Edmond, became the first member of Congress in nearly 80 years to win the governor's post. E.W. Marland served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1933 to 1935 and was governor from 1935 to 1939.

Fallin was the fourth Oklahoma member of Congress in recent history to run for governor, following Democrat Wes Watkins in 1990 and Republicans Steve Largent in 2002 and Ernest Istook in 2006. Largent, who lost despite being ahead in most polls throughout the race, resigned from his seat to run. Watkins and Istook, like Fallin, ran for governor while serving in the House.

Henry, who backed Fallin's opponent, Democratic Lt. Gov. Jari Askins in the governor's race, pledged his support and resources to help Fallin in the transition.

Read more: http://www.newsok.com/feed/henry-pledges-support-to-next-oklahoma-governor-fallin/article/3511143?custom_click=pod_headline_news#ixzz14JLR3iBY.

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