New Senators Take Oath, Look Forward to 2003 Session

(Oklahoma City) The 2003 class of the Oklahoma State Senate is officially in place.

New senators and incumbents who won re-election bids were formally sworn in Tuesday morning by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Rudolph Hargrave.

The lawmakers were administered the oath of office during ceremonies in the Senate chamber. Senator Cal Hobson is the incoming Senate President Pro Tempore.

"I'm looking forward to working with the new Senate. With one of the larger freshman classes in recent memory, I know the new members will bring a lot of different perspectives to the table and I'm certainly interested in hearing their ideas on the issues of the day. Given the budget problems Oklahoma is facing, we will certainly have our share of challenges to confront in the coming months. I have confidence that this body will be able to address them responsibly and effectively in a bipartisan manner," said Sen. Hobson.

The 2003 class includes eight new members: Sen. Cliff Aldridge (R-Midwest City); Sen. Randy Brogdon (R-Owasso); Sen. Cliff Branan (R-Oklahoma City); Sen. Harry Coates (R-Seminole); Sen. Kenneth Corn (D-Poteau); Sen. Jay Paul Gumm (D-Durant); Sen. Daisy Lawler (D-Comanche); and Sen. David Myers (R-Ponca City).

Sixteen incumbent senators are also beginning new four-year terms after winning re-election to their Senate seats: Sen. Bernest Cain (D-Oklahoma City): Sen. Gilmer Capps (D-Snyder); Sen. Glenn Coffee (R-Oklahoma City); Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield (D-Ardmore); Sen. Kevin Easley (D-Broken Arrow); Sen. Ted Fisher (D-Sapulpa); Sen. J. Berry Harrison (D-Fairfax); Sen. Cal Hobson (D-Lexington); Sen. Mike Johnson (R-Kingfisher); Sen. Robert M. Kerr (D-Altus); Sen. Keith Leftwich (D-Oklahoma City); Sen. Jim Maddox (D-Lawton); Sen. Angela Monson (D-Oklahoma City); Sen. Scott Pruitt (R-Broken Arrow); Sen. Frank Shurden (D-Henryetta); and Sen. Stratton Taylor (D-Claremore).

The 48-member Oklahoma Senate consists of 28 Democrats and 20 Republicans. One of the current Democratic members is Governor-elect Brad Henry. When he officially steps down to become state chief executive, his Senate seat will be filled by a special election.

Both the House and Senate will return to the Capitol on January 7th for a one-day organizational meeting. The first regular session of the 49th Oklahoma Legislature will convene on February 3rd.