By Associated Press
Oklahoma City, OK – Steele chosen as speaker-designate
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) State Rep. Kris Steele will serve as the House Speaker-designate for the 2011 legislative session, should Republicans hold onto their majority following the 2010 elections.
Steele, R-Shawnee, was selected during a House Republican caucus on Monday. Rep. Ken Miller, R-Edmond, dropped out of the race to replace Republican House Speaker Chris Benge, leaving Steele as the sole candidate.
Benge, R-Tulsa, is term-limited and can't run for re-election next year.
Steele was first elected to the House in November 2000. He has worked on issues pertaining to health care and the welfare of children.
Steele has a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, and completed his master's degree in education at East Central University in 2006.