State Republicans Stand to Extend Legislative Advantage (Nov 02, 2010)

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Republicans are looking to extend their majorities in the state House and Senate.

Voters will decide Tuesday whether Republicans retain a 26-22 majority in the Senate and a 62-39 advantage in the House.

Democratic Sens. Kenneth Corn, Joe Sweeden, Johnnie Crutchfield and Mary Easley all are being forced out by term limits. Sen. Debbe Leftwich decided not to seek re-election to her south Oklahoma City seat.

Term limits also are claiming GOP Sens. Mike Johnson and Glenn Coffee, but Democrats didn't file in those heavily Republican districts.

The Oklahoma Legislature had essentially been controlled by the Democratic Party since statehood until Republicans took control of the House in 2004 and the Senate in 2008.