State Rep Richard Lerblance now a State Senator

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The new state senator for District 7 was sworn into office Monday. <br><br>State Representative Richard Lerblance of Hartshorne, was elected last week to fill the Senate vacancy created

Monday, June 16th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The new state senator for District 7 was sworn into office Monday.

State Representative Richard Lerblance of Hartshorne, was elected last week to fill the Senate vacancy created by the resignation of Gene Stipe in March.

He will serve the final year of Stipe's term.

The swearing-in ceremony was in the Senate Chamber.

Lerblance defeated McAlester Republican Jess Davis, 5,595 to 4,544.

Stipe resigned from the Senate March 11th after serving 53 years in the state Legislature.

Stipe has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges he gave more than $245-thousand to the failed congressional campaign of Walt Roberts and then lied to federal investigators about the money's source.

He hasn't been sentenced.