Speaker of the Oklahoma House

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- For the first time in state history, a woman could become speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. <br><br>House Democrats named state Representative Jari Askins of Duncan

Friday, March 7th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- For the first time in state history, a woman could become speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

House Democrats named state Representative Jari Askins of Duncan as speaker-designate of the House Thursday. The appointment means that Askins will become speaker of the House if Democrats retain their majority status after the 2004 elections.

Askins is a former judge and former executive director of the state Pardon and Parole Board who is serving her fifth term in the Oklahoma House. She is House Speaker Larry Adair's deputy majority floor leader.

Askins is one of only 11 women who serve in the Oklahoma House.