Democratic Governor Thrives in Oklahoma

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry, center, is greeted as he arrives in the House chambers at the Capitol, in Oklahoma City, Monday, Feb. 6, 2006, for his State of the State speech. The Democrat, a favorite for re-election to a second term, has found a way to maintain high popularity in one of the most conservative states: He stakes out Republican-like positions, builds consensus and keeps a low profile. (AP Photo) (AP)

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Democratic Gov. Brad Henry, a favorite for re-election to a second term, has found a way to maintain high popularity in one of the most conservative states: He stakes out Republican-like positions, builds consensus and keeps a low profile.

He also presided over the largest tax cut in Oklahoma history.

Some in his own party may grumble, but Henry's approach has struck a chord with voters in a state that hasn't supported a Democrat for president since Lyndon Johnson. Henry, who faces a primary election Tuesday, is among a number of Democratic governors who are touting their credentials as fiscal conservatives as they seek re-election.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a potential Democratic presidential contender, has cut the capital gains tax in half and reduced his state's income tax to 4.9 percent from 8.2 percent. In Wisconsin, Gov. Jim Doyle ran four years ago on a no-tax-increase pledge and has stuck to that. And in Pennsylvania, Gov. Edward G. Rendell signed a $1 billion property tax cut in June, that state's largest ever.

In Henry's case, he cut taxes $150 million in 2005 and teamed with a Republican House speaker to produce a record $627 million reduction this year, cutting the income tax rate from 6.25 percent to 5.25 percent and eliminating the estate tax.

The Democrats' co-opting of tax-cutting, traditionally a Republican issue, "seems to be more widespread than just a fluke in Oklahoma," said Charles Franklin, polling expert and political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

"I've done what I said I would do," said Henry, 43. "I've worked well with everyone, regardless of party, and we've accomplished a lot in four years."

Henry's election was a political shocker in the first place. A little-known state senator, he won as an underdog in his primary, then upset NFL Hall of Famer Steve Largent by a razor-thin margin. Largent had left Congress after 3 1/2 terms to run for governor.

Now Henry appears strongly positioned for re-election, thanks to a petroleum boom that has boosted the state's economy and produced a $1 billion surplus this year, permitting the tax cuts and record funding for education and roads.

He also has championed issues popular with the public, including creation of a state lottery and expansion of gambling at American Indian casinos, and he won voter approval of a tobacco tax increase.

Pleasing conservatives this year, Henry signed a bill giving greater legal protection to people who use deadly force when threatened or attacked, approved a measure requiring parental notification for abortions and signed a bill authorizing the death penalty for repeat child molesters.

GOP candidates have complained that the lottery and tobacco tax have not generated as much revenue as projected.