Senate Passes Legislation Honoring Former Legislator

The State Senate passed a bill today renaming a portion of Interstate 240 in Oklahoma City in honor of the late Senator Keith Leftwich, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson (D-Lexington) and President Pro Tempore Emeritus Stratton Taylor (D-Claremore), authors of the bill. Under the provisions of SB 969, I-240 between the intersections of I-35 and I-44 in South Oklahoma City will be known as the “Keith Leftwich Memorial Loop.”

The former senator worked throughout his career to enhance Oklahoma’s interstate system. Leftwich served as Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee as well as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and Transportation – the entity that oversees highway construction and state agency spending for several years. He also served as the Senate Majority Whip for a number of years.

“Senator Keith Leftwich was an outstanding legislator and I am pleased to present SB 969 in his honor,” stated Senator Taylor. “He worked very hard to ensure that Oklahoma’s roadways were safe for travel as well as worked on many other important issues for the betterment of our state.”

Senator Leftwich played a key role in enhancing the I-240 loop to help relieve congestion in the area. He made it a top priority to develop a plan and secure the funding needed to enhance that transportation route.

Senator Keith Leftwich lost his courageous battle with cancer on September 19, 2003.

Although Senator Debbe Leftwich, his wife who won a special election to complete his term, exercised her Constitutional right not to vote on the bill due to her close relationship with her late husband, she did thank the Senate for this tribute and their loving memory of Keith Leftwich.

“Keith always had the constituents of South Oklahoma City on the forefront of his mind. Before he authored or supported any piece of legislation, he thought how it would affect Senate District 44 as well as the state of Oklahoma,” stated Senator Leftwich. “I am truly grateful to all of the Senators who have shown their love and admiration to my late husband.”