 | With little drama and a lot of delay, the White House confirm tonight, that Congressman Jim Bridenstine of Tulsa is nominated to be the Administrator of NASA. The post requires Senate Confirmation. Oklahoma's two US Senators (Inhofe & Lankford) quickly published their praise of the choice. It is the second Tulsa area public servant to be chosen for Trump's administration. Scott Pruitt of Jenks, is the EPA Administrator. No timetable is yet known for the confirmation process, but fellow Republican, Senator Marco Rubio is publicly critical of the Bridenstine choice, as is his fellow Florida senator, Democrat Bill Nelson. Florida makes billions off the federal space program and would rather have a insider from NASA have the powerful position. Texas is the other state with the most economic boost from the space program. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas was also quick to praise the Bridenstine choice. Bridenstine would likely not resign his congressional seat until the senate confirmation is complete. If that happens before the end of the year, there will likely be a special election called to replace him. If the resignation happens after the new year, there will likely be a vacancy for an entire year, and the primary will be held in late June, and a general election in November of 2018. |
Five Republicans have declared intentions to seek to be Bridenstine's replacement. They are.
- Andy Coleman
- Nathan Dahm
- Tim Harris
- Kevin Hern
- Danny Stockstill
