Secretary of State, former Senate Pro Tem Bingman to run for Corporation Commission, endorsed by Gov. Stitt

Buckle up: the 2024 primary is just around the corner.

GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT ENDORSES BRIAN BINGMAN
FOR CORPORATION COMMISSION
Governor's Senior Policy Advisor brings unequaled
private, public-sector experience to job

Oklahoma City, Okla., August 16, 2023- Oklahoma Secretary of State Brian Bingman announced today he is filing as a candidate for Corporation Commission.

“The regulatory industry dramatically impacts our business environment and ability to recruit jobs. I need Brian Bingman because of his experience and his unquestioned integrity,” said Governor Stitt.

In response, Bingman said, “I'm honored to have the endorsement of not only Governor Stitt but so many Oklahomans who have asked me to serve in this capacity to make Oklahoma more business friendly.”

Stitt taps former Senate Pro Tem Bingman as Sec'y of State and Native American Affairs

GOVERNOR STITT NAMES BRIAN BINGMAN AS NEW SECRETARY OF STATE AND NATIVE AMERICAN AFFAIRS

Secretary of Budget Mike Mazzei announces resignation to return to private sector

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 12, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today he has named Chief Policy Advisor Brian Bingman as Secretary of State and Native American Affairs.

Bingman, former President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate, joined the Stitt Administration in August as the governor’s lead negotiator on legislative policy and will continue those duties as Secretary of State.

“Senator Bingman is a natural choice to be our next Secretary of State,” said Gov. Stitt. “It has been clear since he joined our team that he is respected by our colleagues in the Legislature and Oklahomans across the state. His wisdom, calm demeanor and understanding of the legislative process will continue to benefit our state in his new role.”

Bingman represented House District 30 from 2004 to 2006 before representing Senate District 12 from 2006 to 2016. He also served as President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate from 2011 to 2016 and Mayor of Sapulpa from 1992 to 2004. 

He was the first Republican in state history to serve three terms as Pro Tempore of the Senate. Under his leadership, landmark workers’ compensation and lawsuit reform became law, and he authored and pushed for a reduction in Oklahoma’s income tax rate.

“I am honored to be named as Secretary of State and Native American Affairs,” said Bingman. “I have had great conversations building relationships with our colleagues in the Legislature and look forward to continuing to partner with them to accomplish our shared desire of making Oklahoma a Top Ten state.”

Gov. Stitt also announced he has accepted the resignation of Secretary of Budget Mike Mazzei, effective October 23.

As Secretary of Budget, Mazzei’s primary responsibilities included coordinating the Governor’s Executive Budget Book, improving the state’s financial operations and negotiating the state budget with the Oklahoma Legislature. This spring, Mazzei added a role as one of the leaders of the CARES FORWARD team, ensuring efficient and effective distribution of the $1.26 billion in COVID-19 federal relief dollars to cities, counties, state agencies and economic relief grant recipients across Oklahoma.

“I have enjoyed serving in Governor Stitt’s administration to help make Oklahoma a Top Ten state,” said Mazzei. “I’m incredibly grateful for all the hard work and collaboration with the team of highly talented cabinet secretaries, budget staff, and agency financial officers to transform the financial operations of the state and provide more accountability and transparency. After an extraordinary season of time-consuming work, this is the right moment for me to step back and return to my financial planning company.”

Mazzei has spent a total of 14 years in state government. He was elected to represent Senate District 25 in 2004 and served the maximum of 12 years before reaching his term limit in 2016. During his time in the Senate, Mazzei served in leadership roles as Senate Finance Committee Chairman and Assistant Majority Floor Leader.

“The State of Oklahoma is a better place because of Secretary Mazzei’s service,” said Gov. Stitt. “Through 12 years in the Senate and two years as a cabinet secretary, he has fought for fiscal responsibility and prudent use of taxpayer dollars.”

John Budd, Oklahoma’s chief operating officer and Secretary of Agency Accountability echoed the governor’s sentiments.

“I have worked side-by-side with Mike Mazzei for the last two years,” said Budd. “His commitment to service to Oklahoma is unsurpassed. I am grateful for his thought partnership and I am comforted to know that I can call on him for help any time I need it.”

Gov-elect Stitt announces more staff, cabinet hires

GOVERNOR-ELECT KEVIN STITT ANNOUNCES CHIEF OF STAFF, SECRETARY OF STATE

Oklahoma City, Okla. (Nov. 27, 2018) – Governor-elect Kevin Stitt announced today the hiring of his Chief of Staff to the governor’s office, the nomination of the Secretary of State, and the appointment of Deputy Secretary of State.

“I am pleased to announce Michael Junk as my Chief of Staff and Michael Rogers as my nomination to Secretary of State. Both bring a strong background of building consensus among community leaders and policymakers to advance Oklahoma. I look forward to leveraging Michael Junk’s experience in public service to improve cohesion within all levels of government and advance our goal to be a Top Ten state,” said Governor-elect Kevin Stitt. “Michael Rogers played a leading role in securing an historic pay raise for Oklahoma’s teachers, and his time in leadership makes him uniquely qualified to work with the Legislature on my administration’s policy priorities. Donelle Harder has an excellent reputation for crafting messaging and policy priorities. She will work alongside both Junk and Rogers to place an emphasis on communicating with and listening to the people of Oklahoma.”

The announcements are as follows:

Michael Junk will serve as Chief of Staff to governor-elect Kevin Stitt. Michael Junk currently serves as the Deputy Mayor of the City of Tulsa, highly involved in transportation and infrastructure policy at the local level as well as economic development efforts for the City of Tulsa.  Prior to his role in City Hall, Junk served as the Campaign Manager for G.T. Bynum for Tulsa Mayor. From 2012 to 2016, Junk worked for U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe as State Policy Advisor and previously worked for U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn from 2007 to 2012. Junk currently serves as a member of the Governor’s Task Force for the Study of the Oklahoma Tax Code and on the boards of the Oklahoma Municipal League, the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG) and the Tulsa Board of Appeals.

“I applaud Governor-elect Stitt on his choice of Michael Junk as Chief of Staff. As Tulsa’s Deputy Mayor, Michael worked hand in hand with me over the last two years to lead Tulsa’s turnaround. Now, he can use that experience and knowledge in service to a similar turnaround across the entire State of Oklahoma.”
– Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum

“Michael Junk will be an excellent Chief of Staff to the Governor. With prior service as the Deputy Mayor of Tulsa and as my former state policy advisor, he can navigate both state and federal government to accomplish the Governor-elect’s agenda.”
– U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe 

“As a former colleague and friend, I have witnessed Michael’s work across party lines to promote sound policy over partisan rhetoric. He will be a vital asset to the State of Oklahoma and will facilitate strong dialogue that will help move our state forward.”
– Former Tulsa Mayor and Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce Kathy Taylor

“I applaud Governor-Elect Stitt for his choice in Michael Junk. Michael has been a steadfast public servant and his expertise at the federal and local level will be instrumental in building a stronger state.”
– Former Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation Gary Ridley

Michael Rogers has been selected to serve as Secretary of State, a position that will require Senate confirmation.  Rogers served in the House of Representatives from 2014-2018 representing Broken Arrow and District 98. As the Chair of the Common Education Committee, Rogers carried the teacher pay-raise bill last session and played a leadership role in the passage of HB1010xx to fund the teacher pay increase. He has also served on numerous national boards and commissions including the Southern Regional Education Board as well as the Education Commission of the States.

“Michael Rogers is an intelligent and innovative leader and his experience in the Legislature will be an asset to Governor-elect Stitt and his entire team. I look forward to working with Michael on common-sense, conservative ideas to help make Oklahoma a Top 10 state.”
– Senator Greg Treat, Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore-designate

"I believe Michael Rogers is an excellent choice to serve as Secretary of State. He has been a confidant and friend to me during the last four years in the Legislature, and he has served his district and all of Oklahoma with integrity and diligence. I am confident he will bring that same passion to serve our citizens and a desire to improve our state to Gov. Stitt's cabinet."
–  House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka

“Working across the aisle isn’t always easy, and while Michael Rogers and I haven’t always agreed on policy, he has been a man of strong character who is willing to listen to opposing viewpoints in his time in the legislature. It’s my belief he will bring a collaborative and thoughtful approach to the office of Secretary of State as we look to solve the problems facing our state.”
–  Rep. Jason Dunnington, D-Oklahoma City

“As a former state legislator, Michael Rogers is well equipped to serve as Oklahoma’s next Secretary of State. Given his prior government involvement, he knows well the policies and procedures necessary to be effective. As he takes on this new role as chief negotiator, I believe he will indeed serve our great state and incoming governor with distinction.”
– Congressman Tom Cole, the 26th Secretary of State

“Michael Rogers quickly displayed leadership among his House colleagues, earning their respect and leading his peers to achieve bipartisan accomplishments during a difficult time for the state. This is one of many reasons why he is an excellent choice to partner with the legislature to accomplish Governor Stitt’s agenda as Secretary of State.”
– Glenn Coffee, former Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore and the 30th Secretary of State

Donelle Harder will serve as Deputy Secretary of State, providing messaging strategy and policy counsel to the Governor and Secretary of State. Harder currently serves on Stitt’s executive transition team and served as Deputy Campaign Manager and spokesperson for Stitt for Governor 2018. Before joining the campaign, Harder was Vice President at the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association and had previously served as Communications Director for U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe and for the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. She comes with more than 10 years of experience in political advising, strategic communications, and government relations.

“As my Communications Director, Donelle Harder refined a varied and wide-ranging agenda into concise, effective messaging and demonstrated an innate understanding of issues that matter to Oklahomans. She’s a strategic mastermind, and I’m confident that her background makes her the right choice to lead the Governor-elect’s messaging efforts and work with the state legislature.” – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe

“I am delighted to endorse Donelle Harder for the position of Deputy Secretary of State for the State of Oklahoma. Donelle is exceptionally bright, has had great experience in public policy at the state and federal level and is very accessible and responsive. She is a very quick study and works diligently to get complete information on a subject and then works well with others to make an intelligent and well thought out decision. Our state will benefit greatly from the leadership, intellectual curiosity and determination of Donelle Harder in this important role and as a key advisor to Governor Stitt.”
– Rodd Moesel, President of Oklahoma Farm Bureau

GOVERNOR-ELECT KEVIN STITT ANNOUNCES SECRETARY OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Oklahoma City, Okla. (Nov. 28, 2018) – Governor-elect Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Kenneth Wagner as the next Secretary of Energy and Environment.

“I am pleased to announce that Ken Wagner will be joining my administration as the next Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment,” said Stitt. “Wagner is well respected among environment leaders, energy industry experts, and state regulators in neighboring states. He will play a critical role in advising my administration on policy that encourages robust and responsible development of our natural resources, ensures clean air and clear water for all Oklahomans, and makes our state an example for others to follow.”

Kenneth (Ken) Wagner currently serves as the Senior Advisor to the Administrator for Regional and State Affairs at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Prior to working at the EPA, Wagner served as founding partner and managing partner at the Tulsa law firm Latham, Wagner, Steele & Lehman, P.C. Wagner graduated from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1993.


“During his time at EPA, Ken was at the forefront of our efforts to work more closely with states and tribes to ensure clean air, water, and land for all Americans. He traveled to nearly every state in the nation, strengthening existing relationships and forging important new ones. He helped provide our regional offices a direct and open line of communication to headquarters to address local issues in a comprehensive and unified manner. We are grateful for his service to EPA and the American public, and we know he will bring the same dedication and expertise to Oklahoma as he leads the state’s efforts to improve energy production and environmental protection.”
– Andrew Wheeler, EPA Acting Administrator 

“Ken Wagner provides a wealth of knowledge and a proven history as a senior adviser of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We are pleased he will return to Oklahoma to serve as the Secretary of Energy & Environment. His experience in dealing with regulations regarding energy production will ensure our state continues to implement rational and reasonable policies that encourage the responsible production of Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas.”
- Chad Warmington, President of Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association

“AAPCA represents more than 40 state and local air agencies with senior officials from 20 state air agencies sitting on its Board of Directors and an additional 25 local agency members.  At our Spring 2018 meeting, Ken talked with us about his role and work at EPA to implement cooperative federalism by fostering effective EPA working relationships with states, tribes and local air agencies.  An effective EPA-state working relationship is key to helping each air agency address the unique challenges and opportunities that it faces to improve air quality.  AAPCA appreciated Ken's solution oriented focus and the fact that he actively listened to and engaged with our membership.”
- Nancy Vehr, President of the Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies 

“Ken Wagner has been an incredible advocate for advancing states issues with EPA.  He has embraced the concept Cooperative Federalism and provided states a direct line of communication to the leadership at EPA Headquarters and specifically to the Administrator.  While we will miss Ken in his role at EPA, Oklahoma gains a seasoned leader!  Nebraska and ECOS offer hearty Congratulations!”
-Jim Macy, Vice President of the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS)

“Arkansas is delighted to welcome Ken Wagner as the new Secretary of Energy and Environment for the State of Oklahoma. As a skilled state’s-rights advocate who has first-hand knowledge of the federal bureaucracy, Ken is uniquely qualified to assume this important role. I look forward to working with him as we strive to support efficient, effective, and environmentally protective economic development in our region through our trusted partnership on critical state-to-state initiatives. Arkansas and Oklahoma share a bright future in energy and environmental progress.”
-Becky Keogh, Director of Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality 

“I have enjoyed working with Ken Wagner in his capacity as Senior Advisor to the Administrator for Regional and State Affairs at EPA,” said Carol Comer, Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Ken is thoughtful, collaborative and an amazing solver of complex problems. I look forward to working with him in his new role as the Secretary of Energy and Environment in my neighboring state of Oklahoma.”
- Carol Comer, Director of Missouri Department of Natural Resources

“Congratulation Oklahoma!  The selection of Ken Wagner as Oklahoma’s new Secretary of Energy and Environment was a great decision. Oklahoma will be well served by Ken, and we look forward to working with him during his tenure.”
-Leo Henning, Director of Environment for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment

“I had the pleasure of getting to know and work with Ken during my time at EPA Region 6. Oklahomans will be well-served by Ken’s extensive knowledge of state and federal environmental issues.  I look forward to working on federal regulatory policies that affect both Texas and Oklahoma while continuing to protect our natural resources and ensuring economic development for our great states.”
- Emily Lindley, Commissioner of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

“Myself and the Quapaw Nation are extremely excited with Governor Elect Stitt naming Kenneth Wagner to be the Secretary of Energy and Environment. Ken has shown his incredible dedication to developing Tribal Nation’s capabilities to participate in environmental cleanups associated with Tribal lands. Ken is one the hardest working public servants I have ever met. Governor elect Stitt has ensured a brighter future for Oklahoma with this important appointment”
- John L. Berrey, Chairman of the Quapaw Nation

“The RESTORE Council was fortunate to have Ken Wagner serve as the EPA’s designee to the Council. Ken’s leadership as Chair, particularly with team and consensus building helped create much needed momentum for Gulf Restoration.”

-Ben Scaggs, Executive Director of RESTORE Council

Fallin names former State Sen. James Williamson as Secretary of State

Governor Mary Fallin Names General Counsel and Former State Senator James Williamson as Secretary of State

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced that James Williamson, who has served as her general counsel, will serve as secretary of state. He will continue to provide legal and policy advice as he did in the role of the governor’s general counsel, a post he was appointed to in March 2017.

Williamson, of Tulsa, succeeds Dave Lopez, who resigned as secretary of state in March to pursue personal and business endeavors. Williamson begins his new duties Friday, June 1.

As secretary of state, Williamson will serve as a senior adviser to the governor on policy, economic and legal issues. From 2010 to 2012, Williamson, a former legislator, served as senior policy analyst and chief legal counsel to then-Senate President Pro Tempores Glenn Coffee and Brian Bingman.

“James, as my general counsel, is a trusted adviser to my administration,” said Fallin. “I appreciate his legal and legislative knowledge. As secretary of state, he will be in a better position to help in my efforts to implement fiscally conservative, pro-growth and conservative policies.”

Before his gubernatorial appointment, Williamson, of Tulsa, had been in private practice since 1975. He served 18 years in Oklahoma’s Legislature, representing Tulsa in both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the state Senate.

From 1980 through 1986, he represented the southeast part of Tulsa and Broken Arrow in the state House. He was elected in 1996 to the Senate, where he represented the south central part of Tulsa and Jenks until 2008. He served as assistant floor leader from 1998 to 2002 and as floor leader from 2003 to 2004.

“I’ve enjoyed serving the governor, and am honored that she entrusted me with this added responsibility,” he said. “I look forward to having a more active role in helping her bring new jobs and additional opportunities to our state.”

Williamson earned his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Tulsa. He and his wife, Sandra, have four children and six grandchildren.

Reynolds files bill to restrict state hiring of ex-legislators

Bill Filed to Ban Lawmakers from Most State Jobs

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 9, 2012) – State Rep. Mike Reynolds has filed legislation to eliminate loopholes that allow state lawmakers to accept high-paying state jobs after leaving the Oklahoma Legislature.

House Bill 2194 would make it illegal for any Oklahoma lawmaker to take a state government job that pays more than the base legislative salary. The ban would be in place for two years after a legislator steps down from his elective position.

“If lawmakers can be good public servants while earning $38,000 in the Oklahoma Legislature, they should be able to do the same thing at the same salary if they want to continue working in state government,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “Most importantly, this legislation will end the perception that some legislators have used their political connections to feather their nest with cushy government jobs after they leave elective office.”

Although there is currently a ban on lawmakers taking state jobs for two years after the end of their terms in office, that ban applies only to positions funded directly by legislative appropriations. That loophole has allowed lawmakers to accept jobs paid with federal dollars or fee revenue that is not appropriated.

“I think Oklahoma citizens have made it clear that they do not want legislators to work in state government immediately following the end of their terms in office to reduce the chance of someone selling votes for a job,” Reynolds said. “By ensuring lawmakers can only take positions paying the same as the base legislative salary, we can end the perception of corruption that troubles so many Oklahoma citizens.”

Reynolds files this bill after controversy erupted in early 2011 over three ex-legislators receiving state jobs right after leaving office.

• State Sen. Glenn Coffee was appointed by Governor Mary Fallin to serve as Secretary of State; Coffee had left the state senate in 2010 due to term limits. 
• State Sen. Randy Brogdon was hired by Insurance Commissioner John Doak to work in the Insurance Department; Brogdon had left the state senate in 2010 to run for governor.
• State Rep. Mike Thompson was hired by Insurance Commissioner John Doak to work in the Insurance Department; Thompson had left the state house in 2010 to run for Congress.

In the case of the three men, each of their salaries was paid for by agency-collected fees, in order to comply with the ban on ex-legislators being paid with legislatively-appropriated dollars for two years after leaving office. 

Former State Sen. Owen Laughlin also took a position with Commissioner Doak, but unlike the others, Laughlin had been out of office for four years, making his hiring clearly above any controversy.

Brogdon's take on the two-year moratorium

As controversy continues over the appointment and/or hiring of ex-legislators by Governor Fallin and Insurance Commissioner John Doak, former State Sen. Randy Brogdon weighs in with his take. Brogdon, now with a job in the Insurance Department, is one of the three hires in question.

Many of my supporters have been asking what I will be doing in the future, so I want to give you an update.  I have been asked by Insurance Commissioner John Doak to serve as his Deputy Commissioner of the Fraud Division.  I am honored to serve and am excited about the opportunities to protect the citizens of Oklahoma. 

There has been a lot of discussion whether or not legislators can work for a state agency within two years after their legislative service is over.  The answer to that question is yes.  As a matter of fact there have been several Supreme Court decisions as well as Attorney Generals opinion stating the affirmative.  Following is an honest appraisal of the facts along with the spirit and the intent of the law.

The bill has three distinct provisions.  First, no member of the legislature can be appointed to an office that was created during his term of office.

Secondly, no member can receive an appointment from the Governor during his term of office.

The third provision of the bill deals with the two year moratorium which is often mischaracterized. The moratorium specifically restricts a legislator from entering into a “contract” with any state agency that was authorized during his term of office.

For example if the legislature created the “Department of Prescription Drugs” during his term of office he could not serve or contract with that department for a period of two years after his term was over.

The letter of the law and the spirit of the law are not to restrict a former legislator from working for a state agency, it is simply designed to prevent a legislator form having influence in creating a position and then moving directly in to it.

Other Oklahoma bloggers have been discussing this topic as well. Mike McCarville posted a poll asking if the appointments violated the spirit of the "no hire" law; 60% said that it went against it. Ron Black agreed with McCarville's poll respondents.

I'll be posting more on this issue later. The section of the Oklahoma Constitution in question is here.

Fallin Names Coffee as Secretary of State

Governor-elect Mary Fallin Names Glenn Coffee as Secretary of State

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor-elect Mary Fallin today announced she has selected Glenn Coffee to serve as secretary of state.

Coffee, who was the first Republican to serve as president pro tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate, currently serves as co-chairman of the governor-elect’s transition committee.

“My focus as governor of Oklahoma will be to implement pro-growth, fiscally responsible and conservative policies to move this state forward,” Fallin said. “Glenn Coffee’s leadership and experience as a legislator will go a long way in helping our team be successful and I’m proud to have him serve in my cabinet.”

First elected to the Oklahoma State Senate in 1998, Coffee served in a variety of leadership posts including, Republican Caucus chairman (2000-2002), Assistant Minority Floor Leader (2002-2004), and Minority Floor Leader (2004-2006). Coffee served as Senate co-president pro tempore (2007-08) after Republicans won a historic tie in the Oklahoma State Senate in the 2006 elections.  He was named a “legislator of the year” in 2010 by the American Legislative Exchange Council.

As secretary of state, Coffee will work on behalf of the governor-elect to advance Fallin’s legislative agenda and will represent the governor during budget negotiations in addition to performing the statutory duties of the office.  Additionally, Coffee will serve as a liaison to Oklahoma’s American Indian tribes.

“Governor-elect Fallin has told me that she wants to use every tool available to create more jobs and opportunities for working Oklahomans. I know she’ll work with state lawmakers to pursue conservative, pro-business policies to move our state forward, and I’m honored to serve in her cabinet,” Coffee said.

Coffee earned an undergraduate degree in political science from Northeastern State University and received a law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He is an alumnus of Leadership Oklahoma and Leadership OKC.  Coffee is a member of the NSU Alumni Association and is a founding member of the Oklahoma Legislature Sportsmen’s Caucus.

He lives in Oklahoma City with his wife Lisa and their four children, sons Collin and Blaine and daughters Anna and Kate.

Note: no word yet on how his salary will be paid, as former legislators cannot receive a state salary for two years after leaving office. Typically, how the letter (but not the spirit) of this law is avoided is by paying the salaries with fees, as opposed to appropriated dollars, much like Rep. Randy Terrill is alleged to have worked out with former Sen. Debbe Leftwich in the bribery case.

UPDATE: I received the following statement from Fallin spokesman Alex Weintz.

Former legislators may take paid positions with the state if they are paid with funds not appropriated from the Oklahoma Legislature.  More than 93 percent of the secretary of state’s budget comes from non-appropriated funds (such as fees), according to the Office of State Finance.  As previous administrations have done, we are following the letter of the law and precedent established in legal opinions from the attorney general’s office.

Constitutional Crisis Averted?

Congress has lowered the salary for Secretary of State to its pre-2007 level, in order to clear up a violation of the Constitution should Sen. Hillary Clinton be confirmed for the office.

Congress used what is called a "Saxbe Fix" to resolve the situation.

Here is the section that Clinton's nomination would run afoul of:

No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.
[Article 1, Section 6, Clause 2]

From First Read:

The usual workaround is for Congress to lower the salary of the job back to what it was so that the nominee can take it without receiving the benefit of the pay increase that was approved while the nominee was in Congress. This maneuver, which has come to be known as "the Saxbe fix," addresses the clear intent of the Constitution, to prevent self-dealing.

But many legal scholars believe it does not cure the Constitutional problem, because the language of Article I is so clearly an absolute prohibition: No senator or representative, period.

"The content of the rule here is broader than its purpose,” said Professor Michael Stokes Paulsen, a Constitutional law expert at St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis. “And the rule is the rule; the purpose is not the rule.”

"A 'fix' can rescind the salary,” he added, “but it cannot repeal historical events. The emoluments of the office had been increased. The rule specified in the text still controls.”

I may not be a Constitutional law expert, but I would agree with Prof. Paulsen. Time cannot be turned back; the salary was raised. That cannot be undone. Therefore, I am of the opinion that Hillary Clinton is inelligible for Secretary of State.