Randy Krehbiel Tulsa World Gov. Mary Fallin may not sing like Garth Brooks, but she can still attract a pretty good crowd.
Hundreds of northeastern Oklahoma’s most prominent figures packed Philbrook Museum’s foyer and adjoining rooms Saturday night, nibbling on the likes of bourbon- and Coke-marinated smoked brisket sliders and trifled macaroni and cheese, drowning out the music of a string quartet with conversation, and heralding Fallin’s second term.
That second term does not officially begin until Fallin is sworn in at noon Monday on the steps of the Capitol in Oklahoma City, but activities associated with her second inauguration began with Saturday evening’s reception.
Mayor Dewey Bartlett and his wife, Victoria Bartlett, co-hosted the event. Attendees included Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman, Labor Commissioner Mark Costello, Insurance Commissioner John Doak, Secretary of State Chris Benge, Chancellor for Higher Education Glen Johnson, Health Commissioner Terry Cline and a small army of Republican legislators, all there to pay their respects to the governor.
As it turned out, they had to wait a little longer than expected. An unexpected family medical situation caused Fallin, husband Wade Christensen and their children to arrive about 40 minutes late.
Much speculation has been attached to this second term, and whether Fallin, having weathered perhaps her final election, might take a different approach to governing. She did not shed much light on the subject Saturday.
“I’m very excited to begin my second term,” Fallin said. “I look forward to addressing the issues that are challenging our state.”
Wearing a shimmering gold Teri Jon evening dress, Fallin said she was looking forward to Saturday’s fete.
“This is fun,” she said. “Today is about celebrating Oklahoma’s history and culture.”
