GOP Expected to Keep Control of Legislature
A number of legislators were not able to run for reelection as a result of term-limits. That list includes the Speaker of the House, Chris Benge, and Senate Pro Tempore, Glenn Coffee. Other legislators are seeking higher office rather than running for reelection to the Legislature.
Republicans go into the November election with already enough seats to control of the state Senate. The state GOP currently holds a 26-22 majority in the 48 member chamber. Senators serve four-year terms, with half of the seats up for election each election cycle. The odd numbered districts will not be on the ballot until 2012. Republicans hold 15 of those seats, with Democrats holding the other nine.
The twenty-four even numbered districts are up for election this year. Thirteen of those are currently held by Democrats, and eleven by Republicans. Four Republicans were automatically elected because they had no opposition. Five more Republicans were elected in the July 27 Primary Election, because no Democrats nor Independents are running. The GOP picked up a sixth seat following the Primary Election when Liz Donnelly, a Democrat, withdrew her name from the November ballot. Therefore, Republican incumbent Sen. Cliff Branan will retain the Oklahoma City area District 40 seat. When added to the 15 Republican seats not up for election this year, the GOP is guaranteed to have 25 seats.
Meanwhile, only three Democrats were elected because they drew no opponents, and only one seat had no Republican filings, so Democrats retained that seat in the Primary Election. When added to the Democrat seats not up this year, Democrats will go into the General Election guaranteed to have only 13 seats. Even if Democrats won all of the 10 seats in contention on the General Election ballot, the Senate Democrats would have only 23 of the 48 seats. Republicans are expected to win several of the remaining seats, which would increase their hold on the Senate. Republican gains in the Senate could make significant changes in the operation of the upper chamber. In the last legislative session, Senate Republicans needed support from Senate Democrats to pass the emergency clause on bills, which requires 32 votes. Also, increased GOP numbers may have allowed Republicans to override more of Gov. Henry's vetoes. But, that may not be needed if Republican Mary Fallin is elected governor.
It is much the same story for the House chamber, although it is theoretically possible for Democrats to receive a majority. All 101 House seats are up for election each election cycle. The GOP currently holds a 62-39 majority in the House. Because they drew no opponents, 47 members of the House, 33 Republicans and 14 Democrats, were automatically elected. Four Republicans and three Democrats were elected in the Primary Elections, because they had no opposition in the General Election. Therefore, the GOP goes into the General Election guaranteed to have at least 37 seats compared to 17 for the Democrats. There are 47 seats at stake in the General Election, but no Democrats filed for two of the seats (Republicans only challenged by an Independent), and one seat does not have a Republican challenger. It is expected that Republicans will at least maintain their current level and could make gains.
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