Disgrace in the House: Speaker McCall needs to act to quell law-breaking legislator arrogance

Proverbs 20:1 says "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Some argue that the Bible does not explicitly prohibit the consumption of alcohol, but even the most ardent drunkard has to admit the the Bible has very strong warnings against intoxicating beverages.

One of the less-illustrious members of the Oklahoma Legislature, State Rep. Dean Davis (R-Broken Arrow), is in the news - again - for an alcohol-related arrest - again.

Democrat State Rep resigns after allegedly sexually assaulting lobbyist

State Rep. Jose Cruz (D-OKC) resigned from office on Friday in the wake of an alleged sexual assault on a female lobbyist at a New Years' Eve party.

In his resignation letter, Cruz said the following:

Rep. Stone resigns, will donate campaign funds to help pay for special election

It's been a while since we had a legislative resignation. It was all the rage back in 2017, with the majority of those coming due to some sort of misbehavior or scandal.

Rep. Shane Stone (D-OKC) is stepping down to "pursue opportunities away from state politics and the legislature", and has pledged to delegate his campaign funds to the state election board for the purpose of helping alleviate the costs of a special election. The most recent ethics reports show that Stone had a total of $18,964.99 in his campaign account as of October 31st.

It looks as if this move had been planned for some time. One candidate - Democrat Jose Cruz - has filed with the Ethics Commission for the seat currently held by Stone. In the most recent quarterly report (the only report filed by Cruz thus far), four Democratic legislators are listed as donating: Sen. Michael Brooks (D-OKC), Rep. Forrest Bennett (D-OKC), Rep. Jason Dunnington (D-OKC), and Rep. Collin Walke (D-OKC). It seems highly unlikely that Cruz would receive this support from Stone's colleagues without his blessing and advance knowledge of his pending departure.

House District 89 has never been held by a Republican. With a Republican District Rating of 28.1, it is the sixth least Republican district in the state house, eighth least in the legislature.

Stone Announces December Departure from Legislature

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Shane Stone (D-OKC) has announced today that he will be leaving the legislature before his term is complete in 2020.

In order to pursue opportunities away from state politics and the legislature, Stone has submitted a letter to the Governor's office to end his tenure as the District 89 representative on​ Dec. 31, 2019.

“Representing South Side Oklahoma City has been a life-changing and rewarding experience,” Stone said. “I will always think fondly of my time advocating for the communities in Oklahoma City that rarely get recognized at our Capitol. We have suffered losses together, and we have celebrated victories. However, a time has come where I can no longer give the same dedication to this job that I have in the past. Because of this, I have opted to move aside and help find someone who can provide this district with the representation it needs.”

Stone said outside of leaving the opportunity to advocate for his community, he will miss the friends he has made in the legislature.

“When you fight next to people for years for change that can transform the lives of Oklahomans through expanding education and healthcare, when you are attacked by special interests together, when you face the ups and downs of the Capitol together, you build a unique and special bond,” Stone said. “I have had the opportunity to work with many, many great people in the legislature, from both sides of the aisle, that I admire and will consider a friend for the rest of my life.”

Honoring a commitment he made during a debate a few years ago in the legislature, Stone will delegate campaign funds to the election board to go toward a special election to name his successor.

“I made a comment during a debate that lawmakers who leave their seat early should help pay, to the best of their ability, for the special election to replace them,” Stone said. “I still believe that today and will act accordingly.”

Rep. Shane Stone says he won't seek reelection

Stone Announces He Won’t Seek Reelection

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Shane Stone (D-OKC) has announced that he does not plan to seek a fourth term as House District 89’s representative.

Stone was elected to the Oklahoma House in 2014. Part of House Democratic leadership, Stone served this past session as the Assistant Democratic Minority Leader. He has also served on the following committees: Administrative Rules, Appropriations & Budget General Government Subcommittee, County and Municipal Government and Insurance.

“Serving with Rep. Stone has been a true honor,” said Minority Leader Emily Virgin (D-Norman). “His commitment to working families not only in his district but across Oklahoma has been nothing short of inspiring. I am especially thankful for his friendship and support during my time as minority leader. The House Democrats are extremely grateful for his service to our caucus and the state.”

Stone and his family have deep roots in Oklahoma, especially in House District 89. Having the opportunity to represent the South OKC community has meant a lot to the South Sider.

"Serving South Oklahoma City in the State House has been a dream come true,” Stone said. “However, after much consideration, I have decided not to seek reelection in 2020. I will be forever thankful to my family and friends that helped me become the best representative I could be, to my colleagues for working every day to make this state a better place, and to the people of House District 89 for their continued support and the opportunity to serve."

During Stone’s tenure, through his tenacity when advocating for his constituents, he received the respect and appreciation of his Democratic colleagues.

“Shane’s dedication to the good people of House District 89 was apparent the first day I met him,” said Rep. Monroe Nichols (D-Tulsa). “Over the last three years I’ve watched him – one of the youngest legislators serving – become one of the most powerful voices for hard-working Oklahomans. On a personal note, Shane has been my very best friend in the Legislature. Although he’s 10 years younger than me, I’ve learned a tremendous amount from him and consider him one of my greatest mentors. I will miss him dearly. I wish both he and his wife Courtney the best as they shift to a new and exciting chapter in life.”

And his Republican counterparts.

“Representative Stone has been a fierce advocate for South Oklahoma City,” said Majority Leader Jon Echols (R-OKC). “He is always concerned first and foremost with doing what he believes is best for the people of his district. It has been a true honor to serve with him and count him as a friend. South OKC has been served honorably by Representative Stone, and he will be missed.”

Always in the minority, Stone saw the need to ask questions and ensure that legislation passing through the House by the majority was fully vetted by the body.

"There is something special about being an Oklahoma House Democrat and having had the opportunity to serve under Leaders Scott Inman, Steve Kouplen, and now Emily,” Stone said. “I'm beyond optimistic about the future of this caucus knowing that many will continue to ask questions of the supermajority and drag Oklahoma back toward the middle for quality bipartisan solutions.”

Stone’s career has been highlighted with milestones and major victories both inside the Capitol and back in District 89.

"Many of my proudest moments as a representative have occurred close to home,” Stone said. “Coaching Police Athletic League teams, speaking at graduation ceremonies and organizing public meetings; but I was also very honored to have sponsored the inaugural Hispanic Cultural Day at the State Capitol and to have been part of the historic revenue-raising measure to deliver hundreds of millions of annual dollars to public education last year."