Henry Makes Mark With Appointments

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- While Republicans have made inroads in the Oklahoma Legislature in recent years, Democratic Gov. Brad Henry has grabbed firm control of the state bureaucracy by making more than 3,000 appointments to boards, commissions and other posts.

Nearing the halfway point in his second term, Henry has made 3,328 appointments to nearly 300 boards and commissions, everything from the Oklahoma Peanut Commission to boards of regents that oversee institutions of higher learning.

According to figures obtained from the governor's office, Henry now has named a majority of members to about 290 boards and commissions that oversee government agencies and programs.

As only the third Oklahoma governor to serve consecutive terms, Henry joins Democrat George Nigh and Republican Frank Keating as the chief executives who have left the biggest mark on state government through appointments.

Because of unusual circumstances, Henry will have appointed at least four people to statewide elective offices before his second term is up.

And Henry may well have appointed a majority of the members of the Oklahoma Supreme Court before he leaves state government. Henry has selected four justices on the nine-member panel so far.