Oklahoma senators reflect on sacrifice

BY JULIE BISBEE

Published: November 19, 2008

In the first official act of the Republican-controlled Senate, Sen. Glenn Coffee presided over the swearing-in ceremony for new senators Tuesday.

Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, welcomed six newly elected senators and 17 members who won re-election.

Republicans have the majority in the Senate for the first time in state history, with a 26-22 lead over the Democrats.

Senate members, many of them with children dressed in their Sunday best, sat at their desks on the Senate floor and cheered as members introduced family. Campaign supporters watched from the gallery.

"Everyone sacrificed something so these people could be in this room,” Coffee told family members and supporters. "You’re part of this process, too.”

Supreme Court Chief Justice James Winchester gave the oath of office to 23 new and returning senators. Sen. Jim Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, whose re-election was stalled by a recount, took the oath of office ceremonially with the other senators.

Reynolds said he would take the official oath of office today, after vote totals in his race are certified.

"I’m truly honored to be here today,” Reynolds said. "Although it took a couple more weeks.”

Senators joked good-naturedly about the Republican majority in the Senate, and embraced a bipartisan spirit in their comments.

"Like all families, we might fight a little bit internally, but we’re all still a family here,” said Senate Minority Leader Charlie Laster, D-Shawnee.

The full Senate will meet again for an organization day on Jan. 6. The legislative session begins Feb. 2.

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