U-S Senator asks state Representative to switch parties

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A Democratic state representative says U-S Senator Don Nickles has asked him if he would consider switching parties.

Representative Danny Hilliard of Sulphur says Nickles spoke to him last week about considering leaving the Democratic Party for the G-O-P.

Nickles spokesman Brook Simmons says the two men are friends, and Nickles encouraged Hilliard to consider joining the Republican Party.

Hilliard says he's not surprised, and that the conversation was gentlemanly. Hilliard says he told Nickles he's a man of commitment, and that his commitment is with the Democratic Party.

Other Democrats in the state House have said they've been contacted about switching parties, but all say they will not do so.

The G-O-P would gain control of the House if three Democrats would become Republicans.