OK Senate Democrats Oust Bass As Leader
State Senate Democrats oust minority leader for Sen. John Sparks of Norman
By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau
OKLAHOMA CITY — Senate Democrats this week tapped Sen. John Sparks of Norman as their new minority leader.
The change in leadership surprised Sen. Randy Bass of Lawton, who had held the post.
Bass said five of the eight caucus members met and appointed Sparks. He said he was upset that the normal practice of calling a caucus meeting was not used, and described the vote as “back room.”
“It was their own lynching party, and they got it done,” Bass said.
Despite being ousted, Bass said he was pleased to have served as minority leader for a year.