The incoming leader for the Democrats in the state House says bribery charges against state Rep. Randy Terrill highlight the need for more transparency in Oklahoma government.

Democratic Minority Leader Scott Inman says if the allegations against Terrill are true, it could serve as a catalyst to create the “honesty and transparency” Oklahomans deserve.

Oklahoma County Special Judge Russell Hall entered not guilty pleas Monday afternoon for Terrill and former state Sen. Debbe Leftwich.

Their next court date is March 17. Both face felony bribery charges filed in December.

An affidavit claims Terrill offered Leftwich a job at the state medical examiner's office in exchange for her agreement not to seek re-election so another state lawmaker could run for the seat.

Terrill says the charges are politically motivated and he is “100 percent innocent.”