The Norman Transcript Editorial: No one is above the law

The Norman Transcript Editorial

No one is above the law
Published: January 30, 2008

House Speaker Lance Cargill's untimely resignation this week came just as his "100 Ideas" book was published and distributed and a week before Monday's opening of the legislative session. Mr. Cargill traveled the state in a series of "idea raisers" this past year. They were designed to gather the best recommendations for Oklahoma's future.

He said the best ideas don't often come from the legislators themselves. They come from average citizens. Many saw the travels as a prelude to a run for governor in 2010. Mr. Cargill pushed aside such speculation and said the program came from an annual New York Times publication that lists the best ideas of the year.

The revelation of Mr. Cargill's failure to file his personal Oklahoma income tax returns on time and pay property taxes on his law office building brought pressure on him to resign.

Mr. Cargill's resignation, the recent indictment of state Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan and the resignation of Oklahoma City School Superintendent Dr. John Q. Porter shows no one individual is bigger than the process itself. All three individuals have been accused of improper activities.

Mr. Cargill, who at 36 was the nation's youngest speaker when he was sworn in, retains his House seat but it's unlikely that a run for governor is in his immediate future. Oklahomans are a forgiving breed but it often takes time for that to take hold.