Edmond lawmaker Ken Miller eyes treasurer spot

Miller, R-Edmond, announced Thursday he is forming a steering committee to help him prepare for a statewide campaign for treasurer.

Miller, 42, made his decision while House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, and state Treasurer Scott Meacham still are undecided about seeking the post.

Owen Laughlin, a former Republican state senator from Woodward, said earlier he was looking at the race and would make a decision in late summer whether to seek the treasurer’s post.

Meacham, a Democrat and a former banker, is considering either a second four-year term or returning to the private sector. Meacham is also looking at the open attorney general and governor races. The filing period is in June.

Miller, chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee, developed close working relationships with both Benge and Meacham while working to prepare the state budget the past two years.

Elected to the House in 2004, Miller has taught economics at Oklahoma Christian University since 1998.

Miller has a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics, a master’s degree in business administration and a doctorate in political economics.

Those serving on Miller’s steering committee include Larry Nichols, chairman and chief executive officer of Devon Energy Corp.; Howard Barnett, a Tulsa businessman, former chief of staff to former Gov. Frank Keating and the Republican nominee for state treasurer in 2006; and Edmond Mayor Patrice Douglas, who is executive vice president of First Fidelity Bank.