Sen. Burrage blasts Rules Committee for refusing to hear Roth nomination

Sen. Sean Burrage, D-Claremore, released the following statement Wednesday after the Senate Rules Committee refused to consider Gov. Mary Fallin’s nomination of former State Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth to serve on the State Election Board.

“Today the people of Oklahoma have been done a tremendous disservice. A dedicated, intelligent and proven public servant was denied the courtesy of an up or down vote on his nomination by our Governor to serve on the State Election Board. The reason given was that he was too partisan. It seems unbelievable that anyone would have the nerve to say that when at the very same meeting a current Vice Chairman of the 1st District of the Republican Party was given approval.

“Our statutes allow for members of the Election Board to be registered and even active in a political party. I find it hard to believe his political registration is the issue here. The fact is the Governor was able to look at the man’s experience and qualifications and make her decision based on that. It is a shame and Oklahoma’s loss that the Senate Rules Committee would not do the same.”