Benge Elected Speaker By Acclamation

Republican Rep. Chris Benge was elected speaker of the House today by acclamation after Democrat Leader Danny Morgan withdrew his name as a candidate.

“I would like to congratulate Representative Benge on his election as Speaker of the House,” said Morgan, D- Prague. “We have the opportunity to reach a historic level of bipartisanship in the House of Representatives. After the past couple of weeks events, it is imperative that Republicans and Democrats work together to restore integrity to the House.”

Morgan was nominated by fellow House Democratic Caucus colleagues as a candidate for the speaker position. However, Morgan withdrew from the race to show bipartisan support and hope for a productive 2008 Session.

“This election signals a new era of bipartisanship for Oklahoma,” said Democrat Caucus Chair Chuck Hoskin, D- Vinita. “In the past, only pieces of legislation that received the personal stamp of approval by Speakers Hiett and Cargill were ever allowed a fair hearing on the House Floor. That equates to a high percentage of Oklahomans’ voices being shut out of the legislative process. I believe that Speaker Benge knows better than this and will work with us to make new investments in Oklahoma.”

“Open debate and discussion are staples of American Democracy,” said Rep. Mike Brown, D-Tahlequah. “We look forward to working with Speaker Benge to ensure that all Oklahomans ideas are heard in committee and on the House Floor.”

“Now is the time for all Legislators to roll up their sleeves and work hard for their constituents,” said Morgan. “Ethics reform, quality education and major investments that take this state forward are all goals that House Democrats have laid out for this Session. It is time to deliver what we promised to the people of Oklahoma.”

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