Republican, Democrat are friends

Democrat  Party Leader Scott Inman of Del City has congratulated Rep. T. W. Shannon of Lawton on his election as the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

“Today, I am honored to congratulate my friend and colleague, Rep. T.W. Shannon, on his election to Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives,” Inman said. “I am also proud of Speaker Shannon’s historic election as the first African American Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“As he begins his leadership of the House, I am looking forward to our caucuses working productively with one another as we cast off the fringe elements that have held our legislature hostage in recent years.”

“I know with Speaker Shannon as the leader of the House, we can work together to craft thoughtful policies and useful legislation that truly furthers the best interests of all Oklahomans.”

Shannon and Inman started in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives together, first elected in 2006. They have become good friends, enjoying an amiable legislative and policy-making relationship since then, Inman said.

Shannon noted their relationship in his acceptance address to the chamber, saying he regarded Inman as a competitor and a friend, not an enemy. Inman hopes that it is in this spirit of friendship that both Democratic and Republican caucuses can move Oklahoma forward together in the coming legislative session.