Danny Morgan Says Cargill Controversy Could Help Boost Democrats In Fall Legislative Elections

The Associated Press' Tim Talley Reports ~ The Oklahoma House's top Democrat said Wednesday circumstances surrounding the resignation of Republican Speaker Lance Cargill could give Democrats a boost in this fall's elections and possibly return them to majority status.

"I think we have a very good opportunity to move forward," House Democratic Leader Danny Morgan of Prague told reporters, editors and broadcasters at The Associated Press' annual legislative forum.

"If I'm not named speaker next week, I'll be named speaker next January," said Morgan, the only Democrat among five House members who are actively seeking the speaker's job.

The House's acting speaker, Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell, described Cargill's resignation as speaker as "a brave, courageous, selfless act" and said he does not believe the political divisiveness it has caused within the GOP caucus will have any effect on the upcoming elections.

"We're a long way from November," said Blackwell, who is also seeking the speaker's job. "I do not think it will hurt us. "Politics is local. It gets back to the person running," he said.

Other Republicans seeking the speaker's job are Reps. John Wright of Broken Arrow, Susan Winchester of Chickasha and Dale DeWitt of Braman.

The 101-member House plans to elect a new speaker shortly after the Legislature convenes on Feb. 4 to replace Cargill, who resigned on Monday following a series of embarrassing revelations.

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