House Democrats designate 2015-16 Leadership

This week, Oklahoma House Democrats elected their leadership team for the 2015-2016 legislative session.
Rep. Scott Inman, D-Del City, was reelected by unanimous consent to serve his third term as Democratic Leader.
Should the partisan makeup of the House change after the 2014 elections, Rep. Jeannie McDaniel, D-Tulsa, will serve as House Speaker Pro Tempore. McDaniel, currently serving her fifth term in the state House, was elected without opposition.
Rep. Jerry McPeak, D-Warner, won re-election as Caucus Chair. Also serving his fifth term in the House, McPeak was elected to serve his third consecutive term as Caucus Chairman.
House Democrats elected Rep. Steve Kouplen, D-Beggs, to replace Rep. Joe Dorman, D-Rush Springs, as Caucus Vice Chair. Dorman is term limited in 2014. Kouplen previously served as Assistant Floor Leader.  
“I am honored and humbled to once again receive the support of the members of our House Democratic Caucus to serve as their leader,” said Rep. Inman. “I look forward to fighting alongside my Caucus as we push to advance our agenda of improving our public schools, the lives of our seniors and veterans, and our state’s infrastructure, and to increase pay for our public safety officers.”
“I am honored by this nomination from Leader Inman to be Speaker Pro Tempore,” said McDaniel. “I value the respect of my fellow Caucus members for their confidence that they would support me to represent them in this prestigious position.  It is my goal to continue to be a voice for my district and a friend to all who serve here in the House.”
“I work to keep the lines of communication open within the House Democratic Caucus,” said McPeak. “I hope to do right by our outstanding members and to ensure that each of our members’ voices and concerns are heard. I am honored to continue to work with my colleagues in this capacity.”
“I’ve come to know my colleagues over the past five years and I am gratified with their support to serve as Caucus Vice Chair,” said Kouplen. “My job will be to support and help the caucus represent those Oklahomans who make this one of the greatest places on earth to live and raise a family.”
 “With Rep. McDaniel’s compassion, Rep. McPeak’s’ firm hand, and Rep. Kouplen’s calm head, House Democrats have another phenomenal leadership team in place,” Inman said. “We have a dynamic, enthusiastic caucus and our leadership team will work to capitalize on that energy in ways that benefit not only our constituents, but all Oklahomans.”