OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 1, 2008) – Rep. Chris Benge, chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee, announced today he is running for Speaker of the House.

“I’m honored some of my colleagues have encouraged me to run for this position, and am actively seeking votes from my fellow Republicans,” said Benge, R-Tulsa.

Benge has spent a decade in the House working in both in the minority and majority, and at the service of two speakers as the Appropriations and Budget Committee chairman.

This experience, and his intimate knowledge of the legislative budgeting process, is what several of his colleagues cited as reasons why they urged him to run, Benge said.

“Regardless of who is chosen by the caucus Monday, we will move forward with the agenda that was approved by all of our members and will be well-positioned to get the people’s work done this legislative session in a united way.”

Rep. Benge is a native Tulsan. He was born and raised in southwest Tulsa and currently resides in the community of Berryhill with his wife, Allison, and their two children, Garrett, 13, and Hayden, 11. He is an Oklahoma State University graduate with a degree in business

Related:

DEVELOPING: Chris Benge New Speaker? (1-31-08)

Labels: OK House, Rep. Chris Benge