In light of allegations that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich effectively tried to “sell” an appointment to the now-vacant U.S. Senate seat in that state, one Oklahoma lawmaker is filing legislation to ensure similar corruption cannot occur in Oklahoma.State Rep. Mike Reynolds said today he will file legislation that would allow Oklahoma voters, not the governor, to choose the person who fills any vacated statewide office.
If any major office is vacated before the end of the officeholder’s current term that position would remain unfilled until the next general election under the proposal. Currently, the governor is allowed to appoint a successor.
“The Illinois scandal makes clear that the appointment power can easily be abused and we’ve had more than our share of corruption in Oklahoma already,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “My proposal will simply remove that temptation and ensure the people of Oklahoma get to choose the people they want in office.”
Reynolds noted that Gov. Brad Henry actually endorsed a similar course of action when former State Auditor Jeff McMahan was under federal investigation. During that controversy, Henry urged McMahan to step aside during the investigation. McMahan later resigned from office after being convicted.
Reynolds also noted that vacancies in the state Legislature are filled through the election process and not by gubernatorial appointment.
In recent years, two major statewide officeholders have resigned due to legal troubles: McMahan and former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher. Other vacancies have occurred in the offices of State Treasurer and Corporation Commissioner.
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