House, Senate races determine control of Legislature

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ It was supposed to be a breakthrough year when Republicans would gain control of the state House for the first time since 1922. <br><br>On Tuesday, Oklahoma voters made it a setback

Wednesday, November 6th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ It was supposed to be a breakthrough year when Republicans would gain control of the state House for the first time since 1922.

On Tuesday, Oklahoma voters made it a setback year for the GOP.

Democrats extended their 52-49 majority in the House by one seat and held on to majority status in the Senate. Republicans picked up two Senate seats, cutting the Democratic majority to 28-20.

House Republicans had counted on winning majority status in the House, even preparing a leadership manual called ``Eighty Long Years'' to guide them after the election.

Minority Leader Fred Morgan, R-Oklahoma City, expressed disappointed.

``I think they ran much more aggressive and better races than they did two years ago,'' Morgan said.

Morgan said Steve Largent's gubernatorial campaign provided no momentum for Republican legislative candidates.

Democratic state Sen. Brad Henry upset NFL hall of famer Steve Largent in the governor's race.

``Obviously, Largent didn't have any coattails,'' Morgan said.

House Majority Floor Leader Danny Hilliard, D-Sulphur, said Democratic gains in the House reversed years of erosion of the party's clout in the Legislature. Republicans gained four seats in 1998 and eight in 2000.

``We kept all of our incumbents. We picked off three of their incumbents. I think we did great,'' Hilliard said.

``It will make all the difference in the world with a Democratic governor,'' Oklahoma Democratic Party chairman Jay Parmley said.

``The voters of Oklahoma said they want the statehouse to remain in Democratic hands,'' Parmley said. ``I appreciate the confidence and respect that voters put in our legislative leadership.''

Morgan said losses in the House could signal a change in leadership for the GOP. He said he has not decided whether to serve another two years as minority leader.

Democrats defeated two Republicans whose districts are in traditionally Democratic areas.

Dan Boren, son of former governor and U.S. Sen. David Boren, defeated District 28 Rep. Mike Ervin, R-Wewoka, with 65 percent of the vote to Ervin's 35 percent.

In District 32, Democrat Danny Morgan defeated Rep. Kent Friskup, R-Chandler, with 52 percent to Friskup's 48 percent.

In District 71, Democrat Roy McClain had 69 percent to 31 percent for Rep. Chad Stites, R-Tulsa.

McClain's campaign was boosted by revelations that Stites allegedly appraised foreclosed properties and later purchased them at sheriff's auctions. State law bars appraisers from directly or indirectly purchasing properties they have appraised for sheriff's sales.

In District 63, Republican Don Armes had 56 percent of the vote to defeat Democrat David Butler, who had 44 percent. The seat was vacated by retiring Rep. Loyd Benson, D-Frederick.

Democrat Rick Kibbe defeated Republican Gus Blackwell for the District 61 seat of retiring Rep. Jack Begley, D-Goodwell. Blackwell had 52 percent of the votes to 48 percent for Kibbe.

In the Senate, Republican David Myers won a three-way race for the District 20 seat vacated by Sen. Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa. Myers had 46 percent of the vote to 33 percent for Democrat Tom Leonard and 21 percent for independent Den Coates.

In District 42, Republican Cliff Aldridge won with 54 percent of the vote to 46 percent for Democrat Joe P. Smith, who defeated Sen. Dave Herbert, D-Midwest City, in the Aug. 27 primary election.

In District 24, Democrat Daisy Lawler defeated Sen. Carol Martin, R-Comanche, by 87 votes.

Republicans narrowly hung on to the District 34 seat vacated by Sen. Grover Campbell, R-Owasso. Randy Brogdon won with 51 percent to 49 percent for Mary Jane Tinkler.

In District 28, Republican Harry Coates received 51 percent of the vote to Democrat Jim Walker's 49 percent. The seat was vacated by Sen. Kelly Hayne, D-Seminole, who ran unsuccessfully for governor.