Mike Morgan Backs Pete Regan, Jari Askins Not Surprised

Thursday, August 10th 2006, 1:00 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The state's Senate's Democratic leader endorsed former congressional aide Pete Regan Thursday in the runoff election for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor.

Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan of Stillwater chose Regan over state House minority leader Jari Askins of Duncan. Seven other state senators also endorsed Regan, of Afton.

Askins led a four-candidate field in last month's primary election with 40 percent of the vote. She says she's not surprised by the endorsements, since Regan was once a fundraiser for Democratic senators.

Republican House Speaker Todd Hiett of Kellyville led the GOP primary and is in a runoff with state Senator Scott Pruitt of Broken Arrow.