For Immediate
Release: May 26, 2004
Audio
Clip
Senator Jim Maddox
Senator Considers Legal Challenge to Finish Term
State Sen. Jim
Maddox said he disagreed with an interpretation of the
law on term limits that could force him to leave office
in mid-term. The Democrat from Lawton said he was considering
a legal challenge in an effort to finish the four-year term
he was elected to serve.
Just this week the legislature approved a bill outlining
the procedure for filling such seats by special election.
House Bill 2663 was approved by the Senate on Tuesday after
being approved in the House on Monday.
Maddox argued the constitutional amendment originally approved
by voters never actually addressed the issue of members
who, because of previous service in the House, would hit
the 12-year limit in the middle of their Senate terms.
“But it should be pointed out that because of a 1991
Attorney General’s opinion, Senators in mid-term in
1992 were given another two years before the clock started
ticking for them. That means consideration was given that
will allow 7 of my colleagues to serve until 2006, 14 years
after the original clock started ticking.”
Sen. Maddox said he believed the Senate had the option of
making similar allowances for members who would hit the
12-year limit in mid-term because of previous service in
the House.
“I’m simply seeking the same consideration that
was given to the 7 Senate members who have been allowed
to finish their terms. More than that, my constituents voted
to send me here for another four years. I have an obligation
to complete the term I was elected to serve,” Maddox
said.
“As for this week’s vote, I understand the legislature
was simply trying to provide an orderly transition to fill
vacancies caused by term limits. But I strongly disagree
with the premise that no allowances can be made for those
hit in mid-term,” said Maddox.
“However, in no way am I contesting the term limit
legislation. The people have voted on that issue. If I am
able to complete my last two years, I plan on leaving after
the remainder of my term is finished as my fellow Senators
will in 2006.”
For
more information contact:
Senate
Communications Office - (405) 521-5774
