Former Norman educator elected chair of the Oklahoma Democratic party

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A former Norman educator is the new chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, a party spokesman said. <br/><br/>Lisa Pryor was elected chairman Saturday during the Oklahoma Democratic

Sunday, May 15th 2005, 11:58 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A former Norman educator is the new chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, a party spokesman said.

Lisa Pryor was elected chairman Saturday during the Oklahoma Democratic Party Convention at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.

``We're very excited about the new opportunities, the challenges for the Democratic Party that are in front of us,'' Pryor said. ``We have a lot of important races in 2006, and we're going to be competitive and successful.''

Pryor defeated former state Rep. Jeff Hamilton. She will succeed Jay Parmley, who declined to seek a third term as party chairman.

Norman attorney Ben Odom was elected vice-chair.

``I think Lisa will do a fine job,'' Parmley said. ``She sure has the governor's support, which is just enormous, and it will make all the difference for her as she moves forward.''

Parmley said Pryor will face a challenge in 2006 to help Democrats retake the Oklahoma House and to maintain control over the Oklahoma Senate and the governor's office.

Pryor taught social studies at Central Mid-High and Alcott Middle School in Norman. She also worked as a consultant to the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

In 2004, she launched an unsuccessful campaign against incumbent state Sen. Jonathan Nichols, R-Norman.