Cargill Names House Leadership Team

As lawmakers for the 51st State Legislature prepare to be sworn in, Speaker-elect Lance Cargill today announced three key leadership positions for the upcoming legislative session.

Cargill said that Reps. Greg Piatt, Chris Benge and Rob Johnson would serve in the key positions of Majority Floor Leader, Appropriations and Budget Committee Chair and Majority Whip respectively.

“We now have our top leadership positions in place to conduct the business of the House in an orderly fashion to advance conservative policies for Oklahoma,” said Cargill (R-Harrah). “I’m excited about our united leadership team as we prepare for the 2007 legislative session.”

The Republican majority now enters its second term in the state House -- returned to power in last week’s elections for the first time in state history. In Ada-based House District 25, a recount underway for the seat there could maintain the GOP’s majority with no losses.

As Floor Leader, Piatt will oversee the daily floor activity of the House during the four-month legislative session from the beginning of February through the end of May. The Floor Leader also coordinates supporting votes for legislation.

“I’m humbled to have the opportunity to guide the daily activities of the House at this historic time in our state’s history,” said Piatt (R-Ardmore).

Rep. Chris Benge returns to his role as chair of the House A&B committee, a leadership position he has held the past two years. As A&B chair, Benge is charged with overseeing the legislative formation of the state’s annual budget for various state agencies and departments -- including the filing of all appropriation bills and assigning those bills to subcommittees.

“I’m honored that Speaker-elect Cargill has put his confidence in me to continue to lead the appropriations and budget process, and I’m looking forward to building on the success of the first two years of the House Republican majority,” said Benge (R-Tulsa).

As Majority Whip, Rep. Johnson, now in a second two-year term, will assist the Speaker, Floor Leader and Caucus chairman with duties pertaining to the GOP caucus, including keeping members advised of various floor and committee votes.

“With the centennial this year, this is an exciting time in Oklahoma’s history, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help lead the Republican caucus,” said Johnson (R-Kingfisher).

Last week, the House Republican majority caucus chose Cargill as Speaker-elect, along with Rep. Gus Blackwell (R-Goodwell) as Speaker Pro Tempore and Rep. John Wright (R-Broken Arrow) as House Majority Caucus Chair.

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