“Henry Bellmon is a giant in Oklahoma history. He served his country, his state, and his family with great honor and always with humility. He leaves a legacy of service to which any public official would and should aspire.

“Politically, Henry Bellmon put the Republican Party on the map in Oklahoma, and set the path for its growth over the subsequent decades. But he transcended partisan politics, and I join Republicans and Democrats alike in honoring his memory today.”

“Governor Bellmon was a true statesman who exhibited consistent and honorable leadership, and he was also a family man.

In addition to his service to the state of Oklahoma, he served his country in battle as a soldier and later served as a U.S. Senator. He departs leaving a legacy of dedicated service for future state leaders to emulate.

“Upon learning of Governor Bellmon’s passing today I am very reminiscent of our family’s personal and political ties to the first Republican Governor in state history. Aside from being an honorable and historic leader in our state, he was a good friend to all Oklahomans, including the Lamb family.

State Sen. Randy Brogdon said the President’s plans for socialized medicine in the United States presents a huge threat to the quality and availability of healthcare in this country. But Brogdon, R-Owasso, said the threat to personal freedom was just as ominous.
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Senator Harry Coates, R-Seminole, has announced plans to run for President Pro Tempore. Coates is the Senate principal author of landmark legislation including Oklahoma’s “Stand Your Ground” law and “Kelsey’s Law.” The lawmaker said his diverse professional background and legislative experience will help the Senate move Oklahoma forward.
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After the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announced that Tulsa Public Schools had been removed from consideration for a $50 Million grant, Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee noted another victory for the “defenders of the status quo,” and called the announcement a “wake up call for education reform in Oklahoma.”

State Sen. Randy Brogdon said he was extremely disappointed by Tuesdays ruling by an Oklahoma County District Court. Judge Vicki Robertson overturned a 2008 state law requiring a woman to undergo an ultrasound before receiving an abortion.

This kind of judicial activism undermines representative form of government. The people of this state elected us to write laws and create public policy on their behalf, said Brogdon, R-Owasso. Despite this lower court decision, I am completely confident that the legislation we approved in 2008 is constitutional.

Judge Vicki Robertsons ruling we saw today was obviously disappointing, but as author of the legislation I am considering all available options in this situation including a formal request to the Attorney General to appeal the ruling.
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The court ruling that overthrew pro-life legislation is disappointing to say the least, but I am confident the Legislature will work to find a solution to protect such an important issue as the sanctity of life.

I firmly believe this legislation was in compliance with Oklahomas constitution, as it dealt with one subjectprotecting life of the unborn. The bipartisan support behind this issue cannot be ignored and ultimately, I believe given the opportunity the constitutionality of this act will be upheld.