Senate Democrats Choose Laster as New Leader

Senate Democrats have named Charlie Laster as their new leader. Sen. Kenneth Corn, Democratic Caucus Chairman, announced the selection on Monday.

Our members voted unanimously to install Charlie Laster as Democratic Senate Leader for the 52nd Legislature of Oklahoma, said Corn, D-Poteau. We all know Senator Laster as a man of courage, character and wisdom who will provide a voice of experience and solid leadership for our caucus.

Laster, D-Shawnee, has served as Democratic Floor Leader of the State Senate for the past two years. He was first elected to the State Senate in 2003 to complete the remainder of Gov. Brad Henrys term. He was reelected to the Senate District 17 seat in 2004 and again in 2008.

I am extremely grateful to my fellow members for their support and look forward to serving them and our citizens as leader of our caucus, Laster said. I also look forward to working with Governor Henry in passing legislation and developing public policy that we believe will best help our state move forward in the years to come.

The State Senate will meet for an organizational day on January 6 and then reconvene for the formal work of the 2009 legislative session on February 2.