Hiett ponders future after politics

December 13, 2006 11:49 am

— TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Todd Hiett, Oklahoma’s first Republican House speaker in more than 80 years, has returned to his family’s ranch in Kellyville and is pondering his future after last month’s defeat in the lieutenant governor’s race.
Hiett lost in the general election to Jari Askins, the Democratic nominee, in the most expensive race for lieutenant governor in state history.
Hiett is spending time on his 700-acre farm, where he runs a cow-calf operation with 150 cows. He said he’s enjoying the time with his wife, Bridget, and their three children after a hectic campaign.
“But they might get tired of me after a little while,” he said.
Bridget Hiett teaches fourth grade at Kellyville. Of their children, Jimmy is 16, John is 13, and Hillary is 9.
“I am antsy to move to my next project,” said Hiett, 39. “After so many years being used to such a demanding pace, slowing down is not an easy transition.”
Hiett, whose land adjoins his parents’ farm, said he may stay on the ranch and run cattle.
He admits life outside of politics “is somewhat intimidating because it’s the land of the unknown. At the same time, it is somewhat exciting. I think there will be many opportunities.”
Politics is not on his immediate horizon, but Hiett said he continues to toy with the idea of running for governor.
“I have a strong group of friends and supporters well pleased with our accomplishments to this point, and I think would always be ready for new adventures,” he said.
Hiett is not much interested in being a Capitol lobbyist but might be inclined to work with some agricultural group or even start a small business, he said.
He is toying with getting involved in an area where help is lacking to bolster Oklahoma’s family structure, he said.
“That is the children whose parents are either in prison or on drugs,” he said. “I’m concerned especially about those older children, 12 and up.
“I’ve had an interest in that for a long time, and so I might be able to do something to improve those children’s lot in life.”
He said helping those children “saves us money down the road. They could be the ones who create new businesses or invent things.”