Oklahoma House Democrats revel in expanding their majority

Friday, November 8th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ House Democrats, assured of controlling the chamber for at least two more years, gave themselves a pat on the back Thursday at their first caucus since voters added a seat to their majority in Tuesday's general election.

``Tuesday we made history,'' said House Speaker Larry Adair, D-Stilwell, said as Democrats, including 13 newly elected members, applauded and cheered in the House chamber.

``Probably no chamber across this nation was as successful as we were,'' Adair said.

Democrats ruled with a narrow 52-49 majority before Tuesday, when Republicans predicted they would gain majority status in the House for the first time in 80 years.

But Democrat incumbents fought off GOP challengers and Democrats defeated three Republicans to gain a seat and extend their majority to 53-48.

``I'm sick and tired of hearing, 'We're going to take over the House','' Rep. David Braddock, D-Altus, said as he recalled the words of GOP House members. ``That deal is dead, it is stinking, it is over, it is through.''

``We're going to act in accordance with the mandate that the people have given us,'' Adair said.

Democrats greeted each other with handshakes and smiles and munched on ``Oh Henry'' bars, a sugarcoated reminder that Democrat Brad Henry was elected governor over Republican Steve Largent.

``It's going to be good to have a governor of the same party,'' said Rep.-elect Danny Morgan, D-Prague, who defeated incumbent Rep. Kent Friskup, R-Chandler.

``He's not going to be interested in partisan fighting,'' said Rep. Debbie Blackburn, D-Oklahoma City, who was unopposed.

Democrats complained of political gridlock in the House since the 2000 elections, when Republicans gained eight House seats. The GOP minority attempted to block Democratic proposals and push their own agenda with the support of Republican Gov. Frank Keating.

``We listened to a lot of bravado,'' Blackburn said.

``It's been a tumultuous two years for the Democratic Party,'' Braddock said.

``We don't need gridlock anymore,'' said Rep. Bill Paulk, D-Oklahoma City. ``We're just going to have to all pull together.''

Democrats named Adair speaker for another two years and credited him for the success of Democratic candidates.

``We think we have some of the very best members that are going to do great things for the state of Oklahoma,'' he said.

Former Majority Floor Leader Danny Hilliard, D-Sulphur, was named speaker pro tem and Braddock was returned as caucus chairman. Rep. Larry Rice, D-Tulsa, was named new floor leader.