Miller forms exploratory committee
State Rep. Ken Miller today announced the formation of a steering committee to help him prepare for a statewide campaign for treasurer.
Miller, R-Edmond, made the announcement while House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, and state Treasurer Scott Meacham still are undecided about seeking the post. Owen Laughlin, a former state Republican senator from Woodward, said earlier he was looking at the race and would make a decision in late summer whether to seek the treasurer’s post.
Meacham, a Democrat, is looking at seeking a second four-year term or returning to the private sector. He’s also looking at the open attorney general and governor races.
Miller, chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee, developed close working relationships with both Benge, who appointed him committee chairman, and Meacham in preparing the state budget the past two years.
Miller, elected to the House in 2004, has taught economics at Oklahoma Christian University since 1998. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics, a master’s degree in business administration and a doctorate in political economics.
“After a great deal of discussion with state leaders, I have determined that my background in economics, finance and budgeting have provided me the preparation needed to successfully serve as state treasurer,” Miller said in a news release. “In the coming months, our steering committee will be organizing a statewide effort.”
Those serving on Miller’s steering committee include Larry Nichols, chairman and chief executive officer of Devon Energy Corp., Howard Barnett, a Tulsa businessman, former chief of staff to former Gov. Frank Keating and the Republican nominee for state treasurer in 2006, and Edmond Mayor Patrice Douglas, who is executive vice president of First Fidelity Bank.
Nichols called Miller a fiscal conservative “who will demand efficiency from state government and work to maximize the return on every tax dollar.”
Douglas said Miller has earned the public’s trust “with his integrity and understanding of the economy, budget and fiscal management.”
Others on the committee are Mark Funke, president of the Bank of Oklahoma – Oklahoma City, Harold Hamm, chairman and CEO of Continental Resources, Don Millican, chief financial officer of Kaiser-Francis Oil Co., Tom Price Jr., senior vice president of corporate development at Chesapeake Corp., David Rainbolt, CEO of BancFirst Corp. and Lew Ward, chairman of Ward Petroleum.
- Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau
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