Oklahoma Chooses Leaders in the House

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Incoming Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon has tapped Norman Rep. Scott Martin to head the powerful Appropriations and Budget Committee.

Shannon announced Monday that Martin would serve as chairman of the committee where he has served as co-chairman for the last four years. Martin replaces Rep. Earl Sears of Bartlesville, who headed the panel for two years.

Martin, a Republican, promised in a statement to "work hard every day to watch over our tax dollars."

Shannon also announced Monday that Rep. Pam Peterson of Tulsa will serve as the next majority floor leader, who coordinates when bills are scheduled for a hearing on the House floor.

Shannon also named Reps. Fred Jordan of Tulsa and Dennis Johnson of Duncan as majority leaders and Todd Thomsen of Ada as majority whip.