Winchester hoping to become first woman speaker of the Oklahoma House

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The first woman speaker pro tem of the Oklahoma House is setting her sights on another first. <br/><br/>Chickasha state Representative Susan Winchester is quietly campaigning for the

Monday, May 23rd 2005, 6:45 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The first woman speaker pro tem of the Oklahoma House is setting her sights on another first.

Chickasha state Representative Susan Winchester is quietly campaigning for the House's top job as Todd Hiett wraps up his first legislative session as speaker. Hiett will reach his 12-year term limit next year and cannot serve beyond 2006.

Two other Republicans -- Harrah state Representative Lance Cargill and Tulsa state Representative Mark Liotta -- are considered viable candidates by their caucus.

But Winchester is the only GOP House member to announce her interest in the job.

She has authored measures that would bar junk food sales in elementary schools and would allow a parent to leave an infant with a hospital, doctor or other medical service provider without facing criminal prosecution.

She's also supported the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

Her sister, Doctor Margaret Clark, was one of the 168 people killed in the April 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.