For Immediate Release: December 20, 2006

Morgan Announces Democratic Co-Chairs

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan has announced the Democratic co-chairs of Senate committees for the 51st Oklahoma Legislature, which will convene in February.

“As we approach Oklahoma’s Centennial, I firmly believe we have a dedicated group of senators who are passionately committed to making Oklahoma an even stronger state in our next 100 years,” said Morgan, D-Stillwater. “I am excited to begin the First Session of the 51st Oklahoma Legislature because I know we have a unique opportunity to lay aside partisan politics and move common sense measures through the legislative process. I have every ounce of confidence in the Senators who are guiding these committees to do their part to make Oklahoma the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

Senator Johnny Crutchfield, D-Ardmore, will serve as the Democratic Co-Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Crutchfield has been the Senate’s chief budget negotiator for the last two years.

Democratic co-chairs of the Appropriations sub-committees are:
Senator Susan Paddack, D-Ada, Education;
Senator Mary Easley, D-Tulsa, General Government and Transportation;
Senator Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa, Health and Social Services;
Senator Nancy Riley, D-Tulsa, Human Services;
Senator Randy Bass, D-Lawton, Natural Resources and Regulatory Services;
And Senator Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, Public Safety and Judiciary.

Senator Tom Adelson will also serve as the Democratic Co-Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

Democratic co-chairs of Standing Committees are:
Senator Charles Wyrick, D-Fairland, Agriculture and Rural Development;
Senator Debbe Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City, Business and Labor;
Senator Constance N. Johnson, D-Oklahoma City, Criminal Jurisprudence;
Senator Judy Eason-McIntyre, D-Tulsa, Education;
Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, Energy and Environment;
Senator Jim Wilson, D-Tahlequah, Finance;
Senator Joe Sweeden, D-Pawhuska, General Government;
Senator Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City, Health and Human Resources;
Senator Richard Lerblance, D-Hartshorne, Judiciary;
Senator Roger Ballenger, D-Okmulgee, Public Safety and Homeland Security;
Senator John Sparks, D-Norman, Retirement and Insurance;
Senator Sean Burrage, D-Claremore, Rules;
Senator Earl Garrison, D-Muskogee, Tourism and Wildlife;
Senator Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo, Transportation;
And Senator Tom Ivester, D-Sayre, Veterans and Military Affairs.

Morgan will name the Democratic committee members at a later date.

For more information, contact:
Senator Morgan's Office: (405) 521-5605