Today, the Supreme Court, in a 6-1 decision, refused to grant Sen. Clark Jolley’s request to stop the proceeding of an appointment of a Supreme Court Justice to replace deceased Justice Marian Opala. Jolley had sought the Court’s assistance in slowing down the nominating process, which has been rushed for political purposes instead of being properly done under the newly reconstituted Judicial Nominating Commission as approved overwhelmingly by voters in November.

President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, announced the remaining members of his Leadership staff today as well as changes to the Senate service staff. Former Senator Jim Williamson was previously announced as Chief Policy Adviser and Legal Counsel.

Cheryl Leonhardt Boothe will join Sen. Bingman in the Pro Tempore’s office after four years as his Senate Executive Assistant. Boothe will continue to be Sen. Bingman’s EA upon her move to Room 422.

Senator Judy Eason McIntyre and Senator Jim Wilson joined the call on the Corporation Commission to reject another rate hike request from Ohio-based AEP-PSO

Sapulpa Republican Brian Bingman was formally elected as the President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate Tuesday during the senate’s organizational day session. Bingman received a unanimous vote from senate members to serve as leader of the Oklahoma State Senate.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve Oklahoma in this capacity as Pro Tem of the State Senate,” Bingman said. “Receiving unified support means a lot and I appreciate the task ahead as we all work together to improve Oklahoma.

The Senate Democratic Caucus announced the remainder of its leadership team Monday after having elected Sen. Andrew Rice of Oklahoma City in November to serve as the next Democratic Leader.

“I was so honored that my colleagues chose me to lead our caucus. It is a tremendous privilege and I’m grateful for this opportunity,” said Rice. “I’m looking forward to working with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to create public policy that will help strengthen our state’s economy and help move Oklahoma forward.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Designate Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, announced committee assignments for the 2011-12 sessions today.

“The Oklahoma Senate is fortunate to have so many good and capable leaders,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “Committees have hard work ahead but these members are more than up for the task. We had a lot of experience and talent to draw from when making these appointments.”

“I would also like to thank Minority Leader Senator Andrew Rice for helping to select Democrat membership,” Bingman added.

Sen. Jonathan Nichols will play an important role in determining whether the Legislature will redraw Oklahoma’s judicial districts based on 2010 Census data. Senate President Pro Tempore Designate Brian Bingman recently announced that the Norman Republican will serve as Judicial Vice Chairman on the Senate Redistricting Committee.