Oklahoma Congresswoman Mary Fallin Makes History

Friday, January 5th 2007, 6:02 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- When Mary Fallin wrote the foreword to a book about the only woman from Oklahoma ever to serve in the US House, she never knew she would follow in the woman's footsteps.

Fallin Thursday became the first female member of Congress from Oklahoma since Muskogee's Mary Alice Robertson was elected in 1920 and sworn in the next year.

The former lieutenant governor -- who represents the Fifth Congressional District -- wrote about Robertson for attorney and author Bob Burke.

Fallin says when she raised her right hand and took the oath of office with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, she felt a great sense of pride and promised to work on her constituents' behalf.

The 52-year-old Fallin was twice tempted to run for governor and planned to seek re-election as lieutenant governor until Republican Congressman Ernest Istook decided to leave Washington.

Oklahoma's four other House members won re-election.

Republicans John Sullivan of the First District, Frank Lucas of the Third District and Tom Cole of the Fourth District and Democrat Dan Boren of the Second District.