Congratulations to Republican House Speaker Todd Hiett on winning yesterday’s Republican primary runoff to secure his party’s nomination for Lieutenant Governor.  Hiett will face House Democrat Minority Leader Jari Askins and local independent candidate E.Z. Millions in the November 7^th General Election. 

The Oklahoma L.G.s race is proving to be the most expensive in Oklahoma history – more than $2 million has already been spent by Republican and Democrat candidates in this race. 

Many state political leaders consider the race the most important of the 2006 cycle because of the lieutenant governor's role as president of the Senate.
Democrats currently hold a 26-22 majority in the state Senate. Republicans — who have never controlled the body — are seeking to break the majority. In case of a tie, the lieutenant governor would cast the deciding vote and determine which party is in control.

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