Gov. Mary Fallin, former Speaker T.W. Shannon meet with Trump about possible Cabinet jobs

OKLAHOMA CITY — Both Gov. Mary Fallin and former Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon have met with President-elect Donald Trump to discuss the possibility of serving in his administration.

Fallin was in New York on Monday with her husband, Wade Christensen. She was a strong supporter of Trump and campaigned on his behalf after he secured the Republican nomination for president.

“There has been no offer given, but the governor is willing to listen,” said Fallin spokesman Michael McNutt. “The conversation included the Department of the Interior, which oversees several agencies important to the state, such as the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Geological Survey.

“The governor is willing to do what she can to support the Trump administration lead America on the path to greatness. As the governor has said before, Donald Trump will work to make sure America feels safe again, create jobs, restore a sense of unity and optimism, and put constitutionalists on the U.S. Supreme Court.”

Shannon, R-Lawton, met with Trump this weekend.

“I had a very productive and enjoyable meeting on Sunday with President-elect Trump, senior adviser Steve Bannon, and chief of staff Reince Priebus,” Shannon said. “It is an honor to be considered as a potential member of the new administration, and I expressed my willingness to join in whatever capacity the president-elect thinks would best serve the American people.

“During the transition process, President-elect Trump has already assembled an impressive team of quality individuals, just as he promised during the campaign. I have a great sense of renewed optimism about America’s future under his leadership. I look forward to seeing his agenda continue to take shape as he works every day to make our country great again.”

Following Fallin’s meeting with Trump on Monday, she told reporters in New York that the two discussed a wide range of issues, including “his plan and agenda for America and how I might be able to help. It was a wonderful discussion.”

Fallin said she was not offered a post, adding that it was just an initial meeting “to discuss a wide range of topics.”

Another Oklahoman, Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett, said last week that he has reached out to Trump with a request that he be named to the new administration’s Cabinet. “I’m trying to be considered with the new Trump administration to be the secretary of transportation or to be in that office,” he said Nov. 15, acknowledging that he has not heard from Trump or his transition team.

If Fallin is offered and accepts a position, Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb would become governor. He would appoint his replacement to serve the remainder of his term, according to Bryan Dean, a spokesman for the Oklahoma State Election Board.

The state constitution prohibits the appointee from being a lawmaker during the term for which he or she was elected.

Fallin has two years left to serve in her second term as governor.

She previously served in Congress, as lieutenant governor and in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

“I think it would be a tremendous honor for the state of Oklahoma to have our governor or any Oklahomans to serve at a high level in the Trump administration,” said Senate President Pro-Tem nominee Mike Schulz, R-Altus.

Lamb is a former Republican state senator from Edmond. He has been mentioned as a candidate for governor in 2018.

If he serves the remainder of Fallin’s term, he would have the political advantage incumbency affords.

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt has also been mentioned as a potential Republican gubernatorial candidate.