Portrait of Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson Dedicated

Senator Charles Ford announced the dedication of another original painting commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund Inc. The painting, a portrait of Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson, was created by award winning illustrator and artist Mike Wimmer of Norman. The portrait is a gift of the members of the 48th Oklahoma Legislature.

"Every tradition starts somewhere. Our organization commissioned a portrait of Stratton Taylor when he was Pro Tempore of the Senate. I've known and worked with Senator Hobson for many years both in the House and in the Senate. I'm pleased to continue this new tradition by having his portrait done as well," said Senator Ford.

Senator Hobson is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Air Force, the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard, earning the rank of colonel. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1978 and eventually became one of its most powerful members as chairman of appropriations.

Hobson was elected to the Senate in 1990 and has served as chairman of the Senate appropriations subcommittee on public safety and judiciary, the subcommittee on education and vice-chairman of the full Senate appropriations committee. In 2002 his colleagues elected him to the post of Senate President Pro Tempore, the top leadership position in the upper legislative chamber. Senator Hobson is second in the line of succession to the governor, serving as the state's chief executive when both the governor and the lieutenant governor are out of state.

"It's a bit overwhelming to have a portrait done of yourself. But I'm very pleased to have such a talented artist from a community I've represented for years create this painting," said Senator Hobson.

This and other art commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. can be found on the Internet at: http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/senate/welcome.html.