Sen. Coffee Glad to See Lawmakers Continue Legislative Service

Senate Republican Leader Glenn Coffee said Wednesday he was glad two of his veteran members would be continuing their service in the State Senate. Sen. James A. Williamson of Tulsa had sought to become the Republican nominee for Governor while Sen. Nancy Riley, also of Tulsa, had thrown her hat into the Lt. Governor's race. Since each is midway in their current four-year terms, they will return to serve the remaining two years of their terms in the Senate.

"The state's loss is the Senate's gain," said Coffee, R-OKC. "The qualities and experience they brought to the table for statewide office are something I have long valued in both Sen. Williamson and Sen. Riley, and so I'm very glad to see them continue their service with us."

Sen. Williamson, a former Republican Leader in the upper chamber as well as a former House member, will be term-limited after completing his final two years in the Senate, while Sen. Riley will be eligible to run for a third term in 2008.

"Sen. Williamson has been a tireless advocate for lawsuit reform, the rights of the unborn, consumer protection and much more. Sen. Riley's experience as a classroom teacher gives her great insight into education issues--she's also gained tremendous expertise in the area of juvenile offenders," Coffee said.
"We still have a lot of work to do in all these areas and their experience and leadership will continue to serve the Senate and the people of this state well."