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October 22, 2007

Jackson to assume House leadership position

By Robert Barron Staff Writer

Enid’s Mike Jackson will assume a House Republican leadership position next legislative session when he becomes co-majority whip.

Jackson was named to the post along with current majority whip, Rep. Rob Johnson, R-Kingfisher. Johnson’s job, according to House Speaker Lance Cargill, will be to train Jackson to take over the position. Cargill made the appointment during a recent party caucus in Ardmore.

“With the addition of Rep. Jackson, we have a solid team of talented individuals ready to accomplish great things for Oklahoma,” said Cargill, R-Harrah.

“I’m honored to be asked by Speaker Cargill to serve in the position and will to my best to serve not only our caucus, but my Enid constituents,” Jackson said.

Jackson said he was not concerned about a state Ethics Commis-sion investigation of Cargill over fundraising activities.

Republican Party officials have confirmed the probe and said one question being looked into is how checks written to the state party wound up in a campaign committee fund of the Oklahoma County GOP. Cargill headed the House GOP political action committee when it received the checks. Some former GOP lawmakers have said they intended checks they wrote to go to the state GOP, not the county group.

“At this point I’m not even aware personally there is an investigation taking place. I’ve seen stories on TV about the investigation taking place, but I’m not privy to that information,” he said.

In his new role, Jackson will work with Johnson to assist Cargill and the Republican floor leader with duties pertaining to the Republican caucus, including keeping members advised of floor and committee votes.

Jackson said Monday majority whip calls roll call votes for the caucus and helps decide to which committees bills will be assigned. His duties also will include assisting legislators, assisting with the appropriation process, passing legislation and keeping a handle on the political pulse of the Republican Party and the House.

“I was a little shocked, but glad the speaker asked me, and I look forward to serving in this role,” Jackson said.

The 2008 session begins in February, and Jackson will remain chairman of the Aerospace Committee.



The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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