Oklahoma Treasurer Scott Meacham passes up re-election, other offices

By Michael McNutt - Capitol Bureau Comments 4
Published: October 30, 2009

State Treasurer Scott Meacham, once considered a 2010 gubernatorial candidate, said today he is getting out of politics.

Meacham, elected in 2006 to a full term after being appointed state treasurer by Gov. Brad Henry in 2005, said he will not seek re-election.

Meacham said he will not seek any other elective office. He had ruled out running for governor after two powerful fellow Democrats, Attorney General Drew Edmondson and Lt. Gov. Jari Akins, had announced plans early this year to run for governor. Henry, who brought Meacham to the state Capitol as state finance director in 2003 after his election, cannot run again.

Meacham had been considering the attorney general's position.

"There has certainly been a lot of speculation on my future political plans over the last several months," Meacham said. "I appreciate the patience shown by the media, my supporters and others as my family has gone through a difficult time with the passing of my wife's sister from cancer.

"I am completing an eight-year commitment to public service and elected politics," he said. "Although I very much enjoy public service and the job of being an elected public official, I find I do not enjoy partisan politics and the process of continuously running for office. The toll on my responsibilities to my family and just missing out on so many moments in my children's lives is too great."

Meacham, 46, said he accomplished his goals he set out to do in the treasurer's office. His future plans are uncertain.

Before coming to the Capitol, Meacham was the chief executive officer and general counsel of the First National Bank and Trust of Elk City.