OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Fueled by tea party enthusiasm and bitter opposition to President Obama, Oklahoma voters in November pushed Republican control of the statehouse to historic levels.
Armed now with veto-proof majorities in the House and Senate, Republican leaders will continue pushing their pro-business agenda while wrangling with increasingly conservative GOP caucuses that are determined to exert state's rights and reject federal mandates.
For the legislative session that begins on Monday, Republicans enjoy a 72-29 advantage in the House and a 36-12 majority in the Senate.
New House Speaker T.W. Shannon and Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman both downplay any suggestion of a divided caucus, but it's clear the increased majorities come with a broader spectrum of political ideology.