House Elects T.W. Shannon as Speaker
Filed by Michael Cross in Feature, Local News, News, Politics.
January 8, 2013
The State House elects Lawton Republican T.W.Shannon as its first African American speaker.
The 69 to 28 party line vote came after Democrats offered up their leader, Representative Scott Inman.
Judge david Lewis administers the oath of office for newly elected Speaker T.W. Shannon who is taking over as leader of the 54th legislature.
In a speech following the oath, Shannon announced that the conservative values in Oklahoma can be an example for others.
“We must show our fellow states and congress if they would listen how to properly balance a budget. Mr. President, if you’re listening I’ll give you a hint: the key is controlling spending not raising taxes.”
That comment got a standing ovation from the super majority Republicans while the Democrats sat motionless.
Speaker Shannon calls for reforms to workers’ comp and the tax structure and modernization of the state’s education system.
The House also elected Representative Mike Jackson of Enid as Speaker Pro Tem.
The following is the full acceptance speech by Speaker T.W. Shannon:
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