News & Views
Exclusive feature articles developed by our professional team of journalists covering the issues, views, positions, and hot topics are all included in the News & Views section.
OK-New House member takes oath of office
10/21/2009 by Shawn Ashley
(OK) Todd Russ became the first Republican to hold the House District 55 seat after taking the oath of office Wednesday in the House chamber.Russ, of Cordell, defeated Democrat Larry Peck, of Sentinel, in the Oct. 13 special election to fill the seat vacated by Ryan McMullen, a Democrat from Burns Flat. McMullen resigned from the seat in mid-July to accept an appointment as state director for rural development with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Russ won 3,029 votes to Peck's 2,388, a difference of 641 votes, according to the results certified Tuesday by the Oklahoma State Election Board.
"Taking the oath of office is both an exciting and humbling event, and I am eager to begin the work of serving the people of House District 55," Russ said in a press release. "During the campaign, I promised to work to diversify and promote western Oklahoma's agricultural base, strengthen our schools, create more jobs, protect our rural hospitals and uphold our traditional conservative values. I will work hard to keep those commitments."
House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, said in the press release, "Todd's election is further proof that times have changed in Oklahoma and the Republican Party's message of conservative fiscal policy and support for family values is one that resonates with voters in all parts of the our state."
Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly two-to-one in the district, according to election board rolls.
"Todd was a great candidate with a great work ethic and a winning message," House Speaker-designate Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, added in the release. "He will be a valued member of our caucus and an important voice for rural Oklahomans."
With the addition of Russ, Republicans outnumber Democrats in the House by a 62-to-39 margin, giving Republicans their largest number of members in history. Republicans hold a 26-to-22 advantage in the Senate, but that, too, could change. Sen. Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa, is vying to become his hometown's mayor. If elected, a special election would be needed to fill the Senate District 33 seat.
Return To news list | Home | Read next story >>
