Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson today received a letter of resignation from Senator Gene Stipe, D-McAlester.
Senator Stipe has had a long and productive career serving the people of southeastern Oklahoma and has been a friend of the poor, the elderly and working men and women of this state for more than five decades. His wit and wealth of historic knowledge will be missed, said Hobson, D-Lexington.
Notice of the senators resignation will be forwarded to Gov. Brad Henry.
According to state statutes, the governor has 30 days after receiving the notification in which to issue a proclamation to initiate the process of a special election to fill the Senate District 7 seat.