In addition, the Governor of Oklahoma, Brad Henry, has also declared a disaster and has pleaded for federal aid.

In January, the state's new governor, Brad Henry, a Democrat, proposed buyout legislation too.

Henry is married to her husband Brad Henry.

Askins announced on January 4, 2009 that she would run for Governor in 2010 to succeed term-limited Brad Henry.

The state has reliably voted Republican in presidential elections but narrowly elected a Democrat, Brad Henry, as governor last year.

Jackson has since remained in that position under two more administrations: Frank Keating (1995-2003) and Brad Henry (2003 - present).

Term limits, which Keating signed into law, prevented him from running for a third term; he was succeeded by Brad Henry as governor.

Mary Fallin became Governor on January 10, 2011, succeeding Brad Henry.

Brad Henry, Keating's successor, reappointed Thompson in 2004 and 2008.

On May 14, 2007 Brad Henry appointed Jim Roth as her replacement.