Major changes seem likely in state's political climate

Tuesday's elections in Oklahoma showed one thing is constant in the state's political scene:

Change.

From Washington to the Capitol to local elections -- new faces, new policies and new ways of doing the people's work are all but assured.

A Senate divided While there wasn't much change in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, there will be significant adjustments needed in the state Senate.

Republicans and Democrats each hold 24 seats in the Senate, previously controlled by the Democrats.

The even split will result in a more important role for the lieutenant governor, who can break a tie vote in the Senate. Democrat Jari Askins won that position Tuesday, giving her party the edge in controlling the Senate.

Issues senators likely will discuss include who -- a Democrat or Republican -- will lead certain committees in the Senate.

[#x201c]I haven't had time to reflect on these issues,[#x201d] said Senate Republican leader Glenn Coffee, R Oklahoma City. [#x201c]I hope we find a way to work in a fashion to do the people's business.[#x201d]

Prosecutor promises efficiency David Prater, who unseated Wes Lane on Tuesday as Oklahoma County district attorney, said one of his first priorities is hiring a grant writer to research federal funding opportunities. He hopes to have someone in place as part of his transition team.

Prater wants to secure enough grant money to fund units devoted to prosecuting gang and domestic violence cases. Grants could free up salaries in the office's $10 million budget for raises or other needs.

Over time, Prater intends to reduce the glut of pending cases clogging the county's criminal justice system with a mediation program that involves police and crime victims in plea negotiations.

[#x201c]We're going to have to chip away at that backlog,[#x201d] he said.

Prater said it is too early to make decisions about his staff, although he knows three Oklahoma County prosecutors are bound for Norman.

He said more than a dozen former prosecutors have told him they would be interested in coming back to the district attorney's office, while some of Lane's assistants have indicated they would not work for him.

Istook's options open U.S. Rep. Ernest Istook, who decided against seeking an eighth term representing the 5th Congressional District so he could run for governor, said his plans are uncertain. He lost to incumbent Gov. Brad Henry.

[#x201c]I know there will be some other possibilities,[#x201d] said Istook, R-Warr Acres, [#x201c]and I will start exploring them.[#x201d]

Henry said he would announce specifics of plans for his second term as he prepares his annual State of the State address in February.

The Democratic governor said he has no political aspirations to serve in Congress.

[#x201c]I just have no desire to go to Washington, D.C., as a congressman, a senator,[#x201d] he said. [#x201c]I would never rule anything out obviously, but ... I love Oklahoma, I want to live in Oklahoma. ... I want to raise my children here.[#x201d]

Contributing: Staff Writers John Greiner, Jay Marks, Michael McNutt and Chris Casteel