Charlie Laster is an American attorney and former Democratic member and Minority Leader of the Oklahoma Senate. Laster served as a caucus leader during a period of Oklahoma history in which the Republican Party and Democratic Party had equal representation in the Oklahoma Senate.
Charlie Laster | |
|---|---|
| Minority Leader of the Oklahoma Senate | |
| In office 2008–2011 | |
| Preceded by | Glenn Coffee |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Rice |
| Member of the Oklahoma Senate from the 17th district | |
| In office 2003–2012 | |
| Preceded by | Brad Henry |
| Succeeded by | Ron Sharp |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 18, 1954 Shawnee, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Kathy Laster |
| Residence(s) | Shawnee, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Oklahoma State University, University of Oklahoma |
| Profession | attorney |
Early life edit
Laster graduated from Shawnee High School in 1972, Oklahoma State University in 1976, and received his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1979. While at Oklahoma State University, Laster played competitive tennis in the Big 8 Conference.
Political career edit
Laster was first elected in a special election on February 11, 2003[1] to replace the seat left vacant by Brad Henry who was elected governor in 2002. Laster's opponent, Kris Steele,[1] later went on to be the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Laster rose to leadership within the Democratic caucus, serving as chair of the committee that vets criminal and tort reform legislation.
When Democratic Party and Republican Party attained equal membership in the Oklahoma Senate, Laster was named the Democratic Floor Leader by then President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan to serve during the 51st Legislature. In the hopes that the Democratic Party would recapture the majority of Senate seats, Laster was named President Pro Tempore-designate by the Democratic caucus. They failed to do so, losing two seats to the Republicans. Despite the poor showing of the caucus in the elections, Laster was named unanimously as the Minority Floor Leader for the 52nd Legislature in November 2008.
Election results edit
2008 General Election[2]
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlie Laster | 15,806 | 56.55% | |
| Donald Rominger | 12,145 | 43.45% | |
Primary Election July 27, 2004[3]
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlie Laster | 5,713 | 78.31% | |
| Russel Bristow | 1,582 | 21.69% | |
February 11, 2003 Special General Election[1]
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlie Laster | 5,849 | 54.25% | |
| Kris Steele | 4,933 | 45.75% | |
January 14, 2003 Special Primary Election[1]
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlie Laster | 3,358 | 71.30% | |
| Greg Wilson | 1,352 | 28.70% | |
References edit
- ^ a b c d Results of 2003 Special Election, Oklahoma State Election Board (accessed April 29, 2013)
- ^ 2008 Election Results[permanent dead link], Oklahoma State Election Board (accessed April 29, 2013)
- ^ 2004 Primary Results[permanent dead link], Oklahoma State Election Board (accessed April 29, 2013)
External links edit
- Profile from Project Vote Smart
- Follow the Money Profile, 2008
- Follow the Money Profile, 2006
- Follow the Money Profile, 2004