| When the governor presents his State of the State address to the 58th Oklahoma legislature, many new faces will be in the room, but we already know who about 2/3 of them are. 35 of the 48 senators are selected, and 62 of the 101 Representatives are already chosen. The Republicans already have majorities locked up in both houses, and could reach 2/3 super majorities again. But four incumbents have been given 'pink slips' by their own party's voters, in last night's election. Senator Wayne Shaw was rejected by his eastern Oklahoma District. Many attribute that backlash to his refusal, as chairman of the public safety committee, to hear bills restoring 2nd Amendment self defense rights. Senators Larry Boggs & Ron Sharp will have to face tough odds in a runoff in order to make it to the General election Senator Paul Scott also faces a runoff hurdle. The House elections saw incumbents from both parties rejected by their own party base. Jason Dunnington was an effective ally of Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols when bipartisan solutions were possible. But a far left candidate, Mauree Turner; unseated Dunnington. The not-so-conservative Lundy Kiger was unseated by the returning Rick West, who stepped out of legislative service 2 years ago. Derrel Fincher of Bartlesville was also defeated by Wendi Stearman. The Oklahoma Democrats are no longer a viable party outside the metropolitan and state university areas. But within the 4 stronghold counties, they are targeting certain seats and reclaiming some of them. |  |
|
|
Sooner Politics
|
