Sen. Burrage names Sen. Ellis as Assistant Democratic Leader

Senate Democratic Leader Sean Burrage has chosen Sen. Jerry Ellis to serve as Assistant Democratic Floor Leader. That position was vacant after Burrage was chosen to succeed Sen. Andrew Rice as Democratic Leader.

“I want to welcome Senator Ellis to our leadership team. Jerry’s core values are Oklahoma’s values—he’s a strong advocate for the working people of this state, a staunch protector of Second Amendment rights, and understands the importance of Oklahoma’s natural resources,” said Burrage, D-Claremore. “Having been raised in Antlers, which is near Jerry’s hometown of Valliant in southeast Oklahoma, I am very familiar with the great job he has done as a Senator for his district. I know he’ll do a fantastic job as part of our leadership team.”

Prior to winning the Senate District 5 seat in 2008, Ellis, D-Valliant, served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Ellis is the Senate Tourism and Wildlife Committee’s vice chair, and also serves on Businesses and Commerce, Agriculture and Rural Development, Rules, and the Appropriation Subcommittee on Natural Resources.

“I’m looking forward to working with Senator Burrage and all my fellow Democrats as Assistant Democratic Leader of the Senate,” Ellis said. “I want to make sure our caucus is there to fight for the rights of all Oklahomans, not just the most powerful, as we undertake issues ranging from taxes to long-term water planning in the 2012 session.”

Burrage said Sen. Roger Ballenger, D-Okmulgee, Sen. John Sparks, D-Norman, and Sen. Charles Wyrick, D-
Fairland, would continue to serve as assistant leaders in the coming session.