David Walters
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| David Lee Walters | |
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24th Governor of Oklahoma
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| In office 1991 – 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Henry Bellmon |
| Succeeded by | Frank Keating |
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| Born | November 20, 1951 Canute, Oklahoma |
| Political party | Democratic |
David Lee Walters (born November 20, 1951) was the Democratic governor of the U.S. state of Oklahoma from 1991 to 1995.
Walters was born near Canute, Oklahoma. He graduated as valedictorian from Canute High School in 1969. He later graduated from University of Oklahoma in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. In 1977 he earned his master's degree in business administration from Harvard University.
He became the project manager for Gov. David Boren. Later Walters served as assistant and associate provost at the OU Health Sciences Center. There, at the age of 29, he became the youngest executive officer in the university’s history. He joined The Burks Group (a commercial real estate company) in 1982, and became president of American Fidelity Property Company in 1985. In 1984 he was appointed co-chairman of the governor's 100-member Reform Commission.
On November 6, 1990 Walters was elected governor of Oklahoma carrying 75 of the state’s 77 counties. During his term education funding increased by approximately 30 percent and a $350 million bond issue for higher education brought construction and renovation to every state college campus. Walters term in office was marred by controversy about making the Blue Room, a ceremonial large hall in the state capitol building into the Governor's office. Since the large room was more ornate and formal, the effort made questions arise about his judgement. Additionally, Walters term was controversial as numerous former campaign aides testified to illegal activities in his campaign organization. While in office he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor election violation as opposed to felony charges. He did not run for re-election in 1994. In 2002, he was the Democratic nominee for US Senate, but was defeated by the incumbent, James Inhofe.
| Preceded by Henry Bellmon (R) |
Governor of Oklahoma 1991–1995 |
Succeeded by Frank Keating (R) |
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