Scott Pruitt candidate profile; a possible US Sen. Jim Inhofe replacement
As a part of KOCO 5 Commitment 2022 coverage, we are profiling each of the top candidates in the race.
As a part of KOCO 5 Commitment 2022 coverage, we are profiling each of the top candidates in the race.
As a part of KOCO 5 Commitment 2022 coverage, we are profiling each of the top candidates in the race.
On June 28, Oklahoma Republicans will choose their nominee to replace U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, who is stepping down, or at least choose the two people who will face off in a runoff.
As a part of KOCO 5 Commitment 2022 coverage, we are profiling each of the top candidates in the race. Scott Pruitt is a former Oklahoma Attorney General and head of the Environmental Protection Agency.
"He said, Scott, you're in the second most important position in my cabinet, behind defense," Pruitt said.
Pruitt said he never expected a phone call from President Donald Trump, asking him to lead the EPA.
"I went to D.C. because it mattered, you know, I was happy as Attorney General. You know, we had a great life here in Oklahoma," Pruitt said.
Pruitt, like the man he’s running to replace, does not agree with the scientific consensus on climate change. He said he wanted to cut regulations and “de-weaponize” the agency.
"I recognized the importance of it and it mattered for the things that needed to be done to our economy," Pruitt said.
Pruitt said he accomplished his goals in Washington despite resigning early due to a number of controversies, including his alleged use of government funds for personal use.
Now, Pruitt wants to go back to D.C., saying national politics are too divisive and dysfunctional.
"Congress doesn't legislate anymore. they just spend money and don't deal with the substantive issues. Oklahoma, in my view, should be focused on not just sending a conservative view to Washington DC but sending a leader," Pruitt said.
A couple of his top issues are making America energy independent and finishing the Trump border wall.