OK senate a tie; new dem lt gov will cast deciding vote

[bobbieinok]

Good thing we gained the lt gov position.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/SpecialSections/2006/Elections/Elections_06_StoryPage.asp?id=061108_Ne_A1_GOPvi33195

GOP victories create a tie in state Senate
By RANDY KREHBIEL World Staff Writer
11/8/2006


....

Republicans picked up two state Senate seats Tuesday, creating a historic tie that could make newly elected Lt. Gov. Jari Askins one of the most influential people in state government.

Both parties claimed victory -- Republicans because they will have 24 seats in the new Senate, their most ever, and Democrats because they didn't become the minority party.

Democrats have controlled the Senate since statehood but held just a 26-22 lead going into Tuesday's races.

....

Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan of Stillwater, the leader of the Senate Democrats, sounded downright gleeful during a telephone call Tuesday night.

"A year ago, no one gave us a chance," Morgan said. "Everyone thought it would be impossible for us to retain control."

....

In fact, Republicans had difficulty winning statewide -- or at least statewide elections -- but still did well in legislative races.

more....