BENGE ELECTED SPEAKER

Republican House members this morning elected Tulsan Chris Benge as speaker-elect by a narrow margin, GOP sources say.

His election went to a second ballot in which he faced Dale DeWitt, the sources report, with Susan Winchester apparently running third. Prior to the Caucus meeting, it had been speculated that Winchester and Benge were close in votes.

An insider said Benge, chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee, won by a narrow margin on the second ballot.

Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell remains in that position even though he withdrew as a candidate for speaker when it was revealed he'd been late in paying property taxes in Texas County. An insider said there was some concern about Blackwell continuing as the No. 2 GOP leader, but most members believe his late property tax problem did not "rise to the same level" as concern about resigned Speaker Lance Cargill's failure to file personal income tax returns as well as his failure to pay business taxes in timely fashion. The insider said Blackwell's name never came up during today's Caucus meeting.

Democrat Leader Danny Morgan and other House Democratic Leaders will hold a media availability today, 20 minutes after the conclusion of Regular House Session, Morgan's spokesman said. Morgan and other leaders of the House Democratic Caucus will discuss the election of a new speaker of the House.

Benge is a native Tulsan. He was born and raised in southwest Tulsa and currently resides in the community of Berryhill with his wife Allison and their two children. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Business and is an active member of the Southwest Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, Sand Springs Rotary Club and a member of the Board of Directors of Goodwill Industries. He's also a member of the Grand River Dam Authority Task Force and the American Legislative Exchange Council.

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Sources: Benge, DeWitt In Close Vote

Capitol sources say Reps. Chris Benge and Dale DeWitt are headed to a second Republican Caucus vote as they battle to become the speaker-designate of the House.

Developing....

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GOP Caucus Could Be Contentious, Tension-Filled As Speaker-Designate Elected, Blackwell Discussed

Monday's House Republican Caucus, at which a new speaker-designate will be elected, could be a contentious, tension-filled meeting, several insiders say today.

At issue will be the election of a new speaker-designate to replace Lance Cargill. It is believed Rep. Chris Benge is the favorite going in, with Rep. Susan Winchester in second place. Some believe that as of Sunday afternoon, Benge has a one- or two-vote lead, but that could change. If Benge doesn't win on a first ballot, several believe, Winchester could benefit. Reps. Dale DeWitt and John Wright also are candidates and given the fluidity of opinion as of Sunday afternoon, it appears either one also could be a contender given the right circumstances even though that seems unlikely.

But contributing most to the tension some feel today is whether Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell, who withdrew as a speaker candidate almost certain to win when his tardy property tax payments were reported, should remain as the No. 2 Republican in the House. Only one House Republican, Paul Wesselhoft, has spoken publicly and he says Blackwell should not remain in that position. Others say privately they are not comfortable with him remaining and in the privacy of the Caucus, they will say so if necessary.

"We need a clean sweep," one GOP House member said Sunday. "The whole state is watching us and how we perform is going to be criticized and second-guessed til the cows come home." He added that Democrat hopes of electing Danny Morgan as speaker if enough Republicans unhappy with their own selection defect when the final vote comes on the House floor "are foolish...a pipe dream."

Said a second: "If we continue with flawed leadership...we'll pay a price come November." He added, "However, it's a tough deal, real tough."

A third, however, defends Blackwell: "He's done nothing illegal. He shouldn't have to pay an even greater price than he already has."

Asked if Blackwell should have withdrawn as a candidate for speaker, the member hesitated, then said, "Well...I don't think he had any choice given what Lance did (resign as speaker over late tax payments)."

The Caucus is scheduled first thing Monday. The entire House will vote on the new speaker in the afternoon.

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Benge Officially Enters Race For Speaker

From The Tulsa World's Capitol Bureau ~ Rep. Chris Benge of Tulsa, chairman of the powerful House Budget and Appropriations Committee, confirmed Friday that he will toss his hat in the ring for House speaker before a 5 p.m. deadline Friday.

Lawmakers said that Benge was calling fellow legislators Thursday night telling them that he intends to run.

The speaker's race took an unusual turn Thursday night when Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell, the second-highest elected official in the House, withdrew his name from the speaker's race amid reports that he has been tardy on paying property taxes for 13 years.

Blackwell's decision to quit the race follows an announcement by Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, earlier this week that he was resigning as speaker due to continuing tax problems.

Benge would be viewed by some as a speaker who could work with various factions. He has headed the budget committee for three years, working under two speakers and also with Democratic budget chairmen in the Senate.

Others who have filed for speaker are Reps. John Wright, R-Tulsa. who is Republican caucus chairman; Susan Winchester, R-Chickasha; and Dale DeWitt, R-Braman.

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Developing...Speaker's Race Upheaval

There is word at the Capitol late today that there may be a new development in the race for speaker of the Oklahoma House.

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Blackwell Tries To Explain Vote For Phillips Bill

House Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell, one of four House Republicans who seek the position of speaker following Lance Cargill's resignation, faces questions about a controversial vote he cast in a committee meeting last session.

The vote came on a measure sought by the interests of Gene Phillips, controversial Dallas businessman. Even though Blackwell is not a member of the committee that approved the measure, he attended the committee meeting as a House leader and voted for it.

Some GOP members find that troubling and one said, "Frankly, I haven't heard any explanation from Gus that I buy."

The controversial vote is highlighted in a Tulsa World article today by Capitol Correspondent Mick Hinton. Here's the relevant part of Hinton's article:

(House Minority Leader Danny) Morgan also said Democrats were “obviously disappointed” that Blackwell has not addressed a trip he made in December to the home of a controversial fundraiser.

Blackwell was among a group of Republican lawmakers who were criticized for accompanying Cargill to a fundraiser at the home of Gene Phillips, a controversial Texas businessman.

The fundraiser was being held for presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, and the Republican lawmakers said they attended because it was a chance to see a candidate who might be elected president.

A lobbyist (for Phillips) leased a bus in December and took the Republican lawmakers to the fundraiser.

Phillips, whose family has several insurance companies held in trust, has been connected to former Oklahoma Democratic Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher, who is now in prison. Fisher allegedly accepted a $25,000 gift and office furnishings from Phillips.

Phillips’ son Bradford Phillips worked with the Republican House leaders last session to win passage in committee of amendments to a bill that aided insurance companies.

Blackwell exercised his right as speaker pro tem to come into the committee meeting and vote for the amendments.

The amendments were strongly opposed by state Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland. Because of news stories, House leaders decided not to hear the bill on the House floor last session.

Responding Wednesday to a question from Morgan about the fundraising trip, Blackwell said, “In hindsight, with all the publicity, no, I wouldn’t have gotten on the bus.”

Others seeking the speaker's post are Dale DeWitt, Susan Winchester and John Wright.

Some members of the House committee that approved the measure have confirmed that they received campaign donations from Bradford Phillips late last year and returned them.

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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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House Speaker Candidates Jockey As GOP Seeks Smooth Transition In Top Leadership Post

The race for speaker of the Oklahoma House may boil down to which of the candidates can make the most seamless and smooth transition, create confidence, and help ease concern about the resignation of Lance Cargill, Republican insiders believe.

An Analysis By Mike McCarville

As of this writing, it appears the two leaders for the speaker's post are Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell of Goodwell and Susan Winchester of Chickasha. They are said by some to be the front-runners, ahead of Dale DeWitt of Braman and John Wright of Broken Arrow.

It now appears, one insider said, that there are two solid camps. "One group will push for Susan and one for Gus," the insider said. "Dale DeWitt may be a player as well but will likely support one of the other two. John Wright has made it known he is in the race but, nice guy though he is, he won't have significant support."

The insider added that, "The outsiders will want a substantial change of direction and the insiders will want the status quo, which includes putting Gus in the seat. Gus is a good guy, respected by many, but may be elected principally as the smooth transition figure."

One former House member predicts, "Gus will win." And he added, noting that Winchester was a previous candidate for speaker: "Susan is still extremely sour/bitter about losing last time and I fear if elected she would be very vindictive. Gus would be a much better speaker and will take care of rural western Oklahoma. Besides, I'm pretty confident he has the votes already lined up."

One respected Capitol observer said Winchester may have ground to make up with other GOP members after the result of her previous race for the seat: "Susan has a lot of making up to do due to her having disenfranchised herself from the caucus."

A House staffer privy to discussion among members said he believes the race is "really close" between Blackwell and Winchester, but he doesn't rule out DeWitt's strength. "You get into these things, you just never know," he said. "And we've still got days to go until the vote will be taken, so it can change."

Another insider believes Blackwell will be the eventual choice, but notes that Winchester presents "a more polished appearance" than Blackwell, a factor also mentioned by another, who said Blackwell sometimes looks like "he can't find a suit to fit him."

They also note that Blackwell is from a rural area, the Panhandle, and Winchester is from a more urban area, Chickasha, and the perception might be that she has a better grip on some issues as a result.

A Winchester strength might be the perception that she would be a better Republican fundraiser than Blackwell. "Susan can (raise money)," one insider said. "I am not sure about Gus in that role."

Both, this insider believes, would avoid "serious trouble" and both would bring "respect and integrity" to the post.

Winchester served as speaker pro tem under former House Speaker Todd Hiett, the same position that Blackwell now holds. Winchester said she is seeking fellow Republicans' support "and I would ask the Democratic members as well to expedite the leadership transition so we may begin the session united and ready to do the people's business."

Rep. Danny Morgan, the minority leader of House Democrats, said Winchester is "the only candidate that we are aware of who has extended her hand across the aisle." Morgan, D-Prague, said, however, that DeWitt is "very respected" among Democrats. DeWitt, R-Braman, represents four rural counties.

"Don't be surprised if you see Gus as speaker and Susan, or maybe DeWitt, as pro tem with another election after session or in the fall," he added. "I think it is most likely we will see a compromise rather than a bloodshed event if cooler heads prevail."

A House member who said he is undecided about which candidate he'll support said he respects both Blackwell and Winchester and likes Winchester's "touch" on most issues.

"She's handled herself very well and is doggone smart." He said Blackwell has "some baggage" but has support the member believes is equal to, or better than, Winchester's support.

"Susan is smart, polished, a sharp business individual with investments and looks the part," one of the insiders said. "She would put the better face on the role. It may be having Gus in charge and Susan as the public speaker and business contact would work to both their strengths."

Winchester's receiving support from some outside the Legislature. Blogger Jean Warner writes on her Oklahoma Women's Network Blog, "Call your State Representative and tell him or her that Winchester would be a GREAT Speaker."

Mike McCarville has covered Oklahoma politics and government since he became State Capitol Correspondent for The Tulsa Tribune in 1966. Since, he has been a governor's press secretary, investigative reporter, television station news executive, radio station program director and talk show host, and political consultant. In 1980, he founded The McCarville Report and it is the nation's longest-running state political publication. In its online version, it has been called "The best political blog" by Dr. Keith Gaddie, pollster and pundit and "Oklahoma's venerable McCarville Report" by The Arkansas Times. McCarville is also a real estate investor and commentator for the National Rifle Association on NRANews.com and Sirius Satellite Radio.

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Wright Also Seeks House Speaker's Post

Rep. John Wright of Broken Arrow says he, too, will seek the post as speaker of the State House. He joins Reps. Susan Winchester of Chickasha and Gus Blackwell of Goodwell in the race. Rep. Dale DeWitt of Braman also is said to be in the race.

Wright said, "I have a little different philosophy. I don't see individual members having to to give a stamp of approval of the speaker's policies. A speaker should advance what is the consensus policy of the caucuses. Somebody has to be the cat herder," and he believes he can fill that role.

The winner will replace Lance Cargill of Harrah, who resigned as speaker earlier this week.

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Is Winchester Leading Candidate To Replace Cargill?

House Republican sources say they believe Rep. Susan Winchester of Chickasha is the leading candidate to replace Lance Cargill as House speaker.

Following Cargill's resignation this afternoon, Rep. Gus Blackwell, the speaker pro tem, took control of the House. Republicans will caucus next week after the Legislature convenes to select a new speaker.

"Susan has the respect and confidence of the members," a top GOP legislator told The McCarville Report Online. "Just off the top, she's the leader in my estimation. Gus is a good guy, but Susan probably has a leg up." He cautioned, however, that the vote to replace Cargill won't take place until next week and, "a lot can happen in a week."

Others apparently in the race to succeed Cargill are Blackwell, Dale DeWitt, Chris Benge and Greg Piatt. Blackwell is quoted as saying he hasn't decided yet if he will seek the post at next week's caucus.

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Environmental Regulator Consolidation Considered

In an effort to simplify regulatory issues and improve operations at two state agencies, lawmakers will soon consider consolidation of Oklahoma's major environmental regulators. State Rep. Dale DeWitt, who requested the interim study, said there are good reasons to consider combining the Department of Environmental Quality and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. "It's clear the two agencies have similar duties," said DeWitt, a Braman Republican who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee. "Consolidation could streamline the environmental permitting process for Oklahomans and also maximize state and federal dollars used to protect our environment."

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