Senate Review by Senator Randy Brogdon

If you want to limit government, then you need to term-limit politicians. I sincerely believe that passing term limits for the State Legislature is one of the most progressive things the people of this state have ever done. I supported them as a voter, and I continue to support them as your state senator.

The Governor has long been term-limited, but other statewide offices, such as the Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer, State Superintendent of Schools and others have no term limits. While the Governor is limited to two full four-year terms, and lawmakers are limited to 12 years, other statewide office holders can retain their power for literally decades. This simply is not good for our political system and it is not good for our state as a whole. But like our original term limits legislation, this is an issue the public would have to decide.

This session, I authored legislation that would have allowed Oklahoma voters to extend term limits to other offices. Under my legislation, Senate Bill 1987, the public would decide whether to enact 12-year term limits for all statewide elected officials, except for the Governor who would still be limited to eight years.

The measure had originally passed with bipartisan support in the Senate, and was also approved in the House. I also worked with Attorney General Drew Edmondson to ensure the term limits would not be applied retroactively.

Unfortunately, when the bill came back for a final vote in the Senate, all the Republicans voted yes, while the Democrats voted no. Under our Constitution, when there is a tie in the Senate, the Lt. Governor, who is also President of the Senate, can be summoned to come cast the tie-breaking vote. However, she took constitutional privilege and declined to vote on the bill, saying that because the measure applied directly to her, it would be a violation of the Constitution to vote.

The measure was later sent to a conference committee, but I am doubtful we will have an opportunity to vote on it again in the Senate this year. I continue to believe that term limits are good public policy. Because of that, I will continue to work to bring this issue to a vote of the people.

It is an honor to serve you in the in the State Senate. I can be reached by writing to Senator Randy Brogdon, Room 416, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105, or by calling (405) 521-5566, or email at brogdon@oksenate.gov.



Respectfully,

Randy Brogdon

Senate District #34