Speaker-elect Cargill, Speaker Pro Temp Blackwell & Caucus Chair Wright Chosen Following close on the heels of a renewed Republican majority in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, the GOP caucus on Thursday chose its top leadership for the 51st Legislature. The GOP caucus elected three top leadership positions: Speaker of the House, Speaker Pro Tempore and Majority Caucus Chair. On Tuesday, Oklahoma voters returned a Republican majority to power in the state House for the first time in state history, with one seat still involved in a recount. “Our leadership team is one that is united and I look forward to working together to advance Oklahoma,” said Speaker-elect Lance Cargill (R-Harrah), who was confirmed as the next Speaker by the GOP caucus Thursday. In addition to electing Cargill, the GOP caucus Thursday chose Rep. Gus Blackwell (R-Goodwell) as Speaker Pro Tempore and Rep. John Wright (R-Broken Arrow) as Caucus Chairman. Blackwell, who is starting his third two-year term in the state House, holds a Master’s in business administration from Panhandle State University and a Master’s in Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological University. “It’s an honor to be able to serve my colleagues in this capacity,” said Blackwell. “We have a great depth of talent in our caucus. I’m looking forward to House Republicans working to accomplish great things for Oklahoma this coming session.” As Caucus Chairman, Rep. Wright will assist the Speaker with directing weekly meetings of the GOP Caucus. Wright, now entering his fifth term as a lawmaker, holds a bachelor’s of science degree in marketing from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida. “I’m honored and grateful to have this opportunity to help lead our caucus,” said Wright. “The House Republican majority is ready for the upcoming legislative session,” said Cargill. “We will continue to keep our promises to the citizens of Oklahoma to foster enterprise and entrepreneurship, invest tax dollars wisely and hold government accountable” Cargill said that over the next several weeks he’ll announce additional appointed GOP leadership positions. Next week on Thursday, November 16 at 1 p.m. the newly-elected members of the entire House will be sworn in at the capitol. In early January, the full House will convene for an organizational day to formally elect House leadership. Posted at 11/09/2006 08:02:00 AM