Blackwell Expected To Take Charge Of House

Republican Rep. Gus Blackwell (pictured), The McCarville Report Online is being told, will take over as speaker of the Oklahoma House this afternoon if, as is anticipated, Speaker Lance Cargill steps down.

Numerous sources say Cargill will resign as speaker, although there's been no official comment and Cargill has not responded to a request for comment.

"It's not a done deal until it's a done deal," one member quipped when asked if Cargill plans to resign. "But I expect it, yes," he added.

One member said Cargill has "lost the confidence of the members" following reports he was late in filing personal income taxes and paying property taxes on his Harrah law firm.

Some members, it is said, urged Cargill to remain as speaker, but a poll of GOP members by other members showed many want him to step aside.

Blackwell, from Goodwell, has been the speaker pro tem, the No. 2 leadership position in the House.

Under House rules, Blackwell would be speaker until a new election for the seat is held. Insiders say the two leading candidates might be Blackwell and Rep. Susan Winchester of Chickasha. Winchester is term-limited in 2010, Blackwell in 2014.

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