Speaker-designate Cargill Prepares for 2007 Legislative Session For the first time in state history, voters returned a Republican majority to power in the state House of Representatives on Tuesday, with one seat still involved in a recount. House Speaker-designate Lance Cargill said he looks forward to working with Governor Brad Henry to continue to achieve progress and solutions for the state. “The voters of Oklahoma have endorsed our hard work over the past two years of Republican control,” said Cargill (R-Harrah). “The House GOP has delivered for Oklahoma’s working families. Now it’s time to continue to keep our promises and move Oklahoma forward. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be sharing our goals for the upcoming legislative session to reward families and small business owners, foster a first-class educational system and require more accountability from state government.” When compared to other state legislatures, Tuesday’s GOP victory in the Oklahoma House is striking: Democrats flipped control of state Houses in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Oregon and Pennsylvania. Democrats control both chambers in 21 states, while Republicans control 15 and 9 were split between the two parties. “There’s no question Democrats had the wind at their backs this election cycle,” said Cargill. Republicans had twice as many seats to defend, with many freshman members. Yet despite all of their advantages this year, the Democrats failed to make significant gains in the state Legislature, and they no longer have a majority in the state Senate for the first time in Oklahoma’s history. Oklahoma voters have embraced our positive vision for the future. The voters have seen that the Republican majority in the House offers real solutions that matter to their lives as Oklahomans.” Cargill said that the Republican track record of historic tax relief, repeal of the state’s unfair death tax, historic pro-life reforms, record investments in the state’s roads and bridges, record teacher pay increases and conservative health care reforms led to Republican victories. Posted at 11/08/2006 07:14:00 PM