Hiett chosen to lead Oklahoma House GOP

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Todd Hiett, 35-year-old Kellyville rancher, was selected Thursday to lead the Republican minority in the Oklahoma House for the next two years. <br><br>Hiett replaces Rep. Fred Morgan,

Thursday, November 14th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Todd Hiett, 35-year-old Kellyville rancher, was selected Thursday to lead the Republican minority in the Oklahoma House for the next two years.

Hiett replaces Rep. Fred Morgan, R-Oklahoma City, who did not seek re-election to a third term after the GOP lost in a bid to gain majority status in the November general election.

Hiett, eight-year House member, said Republicans will work with Democrats to solve the state budget crisis but will no doubt have differences on some issues.

``There is nothing wrong with constructive debate as legislative leaders discuss differences of opinion and work out positive solutions,'' he said.

Hiett said next week's one-day special session to appropriate $9.8 million to prevent furloughs of state prison workers is ``the right thing to do.''

Looking toward next year's legislative session, he said he was eager to hear Democratic Gov.-elect Brad Henry's ideas on zero-based budgeting.

Hiett said the GOP caucus had not set an agenda, but tax reform and education would continue to be top Republican priorities.

``I personally feel that tax reform is just as important now as ever been,'' he said.

Rep. Susan Winchester, R-Chickasha, was chosen first assistant floor leader and Rep. Tad Jones, R-Claremore, was named minority whip. Rep. Mark Liotta, R-Tulsa, was selected caucus chairman.

In the general election, Democrats picked up one seat to increase their numbers in the House to 52. There are 49 Republicans.

Going into the election, state GOP leaders had predicted voters would elect the first Republican majority in the House since 1922.

Earlier this month, Democrats caucused and nominated Rep. Larry Adair, D-Stilwell, to a second term as House speaker.

Adair's election will formally take place Jan. 7 during a one-day organizational meeting of the Legislature.

In his first year as speaker, Adair survived an ouster move led by Morgan, who served four years as minority leader. Some Democrats accused Morgan of excessive partisanship.