Black state lawmaker to run for party co-chair

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Black lawmakers won't say if they'll support Governor Brad Henry's re-election bid next year.<br/><br/>Oklahoma City state Representative Opio Toure told reporters last

Wednesday, March 23rd 2005, 5:41 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Black lawmakers won't say if they'll support Governor Brad Henry's re-election bid next year.

Oklahoma City state Representative Opio Toure told reporters last week that black voters felt betrayed by the Democratic Party because of a $500-million bond issue that may adversely affect Langston University's Tulsa campus.

Now black lawmakers are pushing for Oklahoma City state Senator Angela Monson to become co-chairman of the state Democratic Party.

Monson says her candidacy isn't in opposition to Henry's endorsements for party leadership. She hints that ex-Governor David Walters might win black caucus support as the other co-chairman.

Henry endorsed former teacher Lisa Pryor and attorney Ben Odom as co-chairmen candidates.

Officers for the state party for 2005 through 2007 will be elected during the party's state convention May 14th in Oklahoma City.

Henry spokesman Paul Sund says the governor is committed to working with the black caucus and has great respect for its role in the Oklahoma political process.