Inside sources have confirmed to OKPNS, that various Republican state representatives have called on Speaker Lance Cargill to postpone the upcoming October 16th GOP Caucus election to determine the Speaker-designate for the 2009/2010 session. The embattled Cargill is seeking to become the State’s first Republican two-term Speaker of the House. The House Republicans will be meeting that weekend for an annual retreat to lay out legislative plans for the upcoming session, but the pressure fundraising controversy has put many House GOP members in a tight spot. Cargill has reportedly denied the members’ request to postpone the election date. Cargill remains the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission for mishandling campaign funds in past election cycles, and many members privately are hoping the Speaker election date can be put off until more is known about the emerging controversy. Insiders say the Speaker has been irate with members close to him who have suggested such a postponement. "The pressure is building, and with more bad press on the way, it appears that he's beginning to take out his frustrations on those who are seeking to help," says one familiar with the process.

Labels: investigations, OK House, Spkr. Cargill

Posted at 10/02/2007 10:13:00 AM