Tulsa World: Senator claims to have pro tem post locked up

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Senator claims to have pro tem post locked up

By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau
Published: 10/28/2009 2:25 AM
Last Modified: 10/28/2009 5:37 AM

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Harry Coates, R-Seminole, said Tuesday that he believes he has the votes to become the next Senate president pro tem.

His statement came after Senate Democrats, who are in the minority, said their caucus is backing Coates.

Senate Republicans maintain a 26-22 majority.

Also vying to succeed Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, in 2011 are three other Republicans — Sens. Brian Crain of Tulsa, Brian Bingman of Sapulpa and Cliff Aldridge of Midwest City. Coffee can't seek re-election in 2010 because of term limits.

Sen. Charlie Laster, D-Shawnee, said: "I think that the word you may have been hearing in the last few months is Sen. Coates has a great deal of support within our caucus if we are in the minority. And so, if we are in the minority, I wouldn't be surprised to see virtually 100 percent support in our caucus for Sen. Coates."

Laster, the Senate minority leader, said Senate Democrats have not been promised anything for their support. He said he would be surprised if any Democrats were appointed committee chairmen should Coates become the next pro tem.

"What we would like to see is getting back to a more cooperative atmosphere and more collegial atmosphere," Laster said. "It used to be a hallmark of the state Senate. Virtually all of our caucus thinks Sen. Harry Coates is the one to do that."

Coates said: "I truly believe this will be settled within the Republican Caucus and I will have the votes within

the caucus. That is my plan."

Crain said he plans to participate in any Senate Republican Caucus discussion about the race.

"I don't believe anyone has a race two years out from now tied up, and so I am going to just leave it there," he said.

Bingman said: "Nobody has counted votes yet. A lot can happen in 2011."

In unrelated action: Senate Democrats said Janice Aldridge, a retired school superintendent from Wagoner, will run for the Senate District 18 seat being vacated by Sen. Mary Easley, a Tulsa Democrat who can't seek re-election because of term limits.

Ardmore businesswoman Donna Spring will run for the Senate District 14 seat now held by Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield,D-Ardmore, who also is in his last term.

Barbara Hoberock (405) 528-2465
barbara.hoberock@tulsaworld.com By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau

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	Report Comment my view, Sand Springs (10/28/2009 9:12:50 AM) Harry Coates the Republican roofer from Seminole who has been a thorn in the side of HB 1804. Should be the last person the Republicans should want as President Pro Temp. Coates is nothing more than a RINO, Republican In Name Only.
	Report Comment lufkin, (10/28/2009 1:11:49 PM) Harry TurnCoates is the illegal alien loving roofing contractor from Seminole whose business exploits cheap,illegal alien lawbreakers.He also is the most liberal 'Republican' in the state senate. TurnCoates would be a disaster for the GOP.This jerk is a sellout. No wonder the Democrats all support this liberal lapdog.

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