Former OSU President Running For Senate

Thursday, November 8th 2007, 11:21 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Former Oklahoma State University President Jim Halligan is running for the state Senate. Halligan announced Thursday he will run as a Republican for the post now held by Democratic Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan of Stillwater, who is term limited.

The 71-year-old Halligan served as OSU president from 1994 until 2003. He previously was president of New Mexico State University.

He says his experience as an engineer, teacher and university administrator will allow him to hit the ground running as a lawmaker.

The Oklahoma Senate is evenly divided with 24 Democrats and 24 Republicans.

Halligan made his announcement at the state Capitol, surrounded by GOP Senate leaders, who hope to take control of the legislative body for the first time in state history in 2008.