Maddox seeks to keep state Senate post

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ State Sen. Jim Maddox asked the state Supreme Court Tuesday to allow him to serve out the remaining two years of the term he was elected to in 2002. <br/><br/>Maddox, D-Lawton, said

Tuesday, June 22nd 2004, 12:47 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ State Sen. Jim Maddox asked the state Supreme Court Tuesday to allow him to serve out the remaining two years of the term he was elected to in 2002.

Maddox, D-Lawton, said he's not trying to overturn the 12-year limit on legislative service imposed by voters in 1991, but feels an obligation to his constituents to serve out his term.

``We're not in any way trying to circumvent the term limit law, but I'd like to finish the last two years of this term on behalf of the people of District 32,'' he said.

Maddox's attorneys argued that he swore an oath to serve for four years.

Two Democrats and two Republicans have filed for Maddox's seat and their names are scheduled to be on the July 27 primary election ballot.

The Legislature passed a law this year to allow the District 33 election to proceed.

Maddox contends he is being penalized for service in the House, while several senators under the 1991 term limit law are being allowed to stay in the Senate for 14 years.

``I've always maintained it is an equity issue,'' he said.

Supreme Court referee Daniel Karim took the case under advisement after hearing oral arguments.