State representative Todd Hiett presides as new GOP-controlled state House is sworn in

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ For the first time in more than 80 years, the Oklahoma House of Representatives is controlled by the GOP. <br/><br/>Kellyville Republican Todd Hiett -- nominated to become the first

Tuesday, November 16th 2004, 11:02 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ For the first time in more than 80 years, the Oklahoma House of Representatives is controlled by the GOP.

Kellyville Republican Todd Hiett -- nominated to become the first Republican speaker since 1921 -- presided over a swearing-in ceremony at the State Capitol Tuesday afternoon.

39 freshman House members -- including 23 Republicans -- are among the House members starting two-year terms. The 50th Oklahoma Legislature will officially begin in February after an organizational meeting in January.

The House lineup will feature 57 Republicans and 44 Democrats after the GOP took nine open seats in the November 2nd general election.

Term limits played a big role in the shake-up of the House, which Democrats controlled by a 53-to-48 margin at the start of the 2004 Legislature.