By Patrick B. McGuigan

Published: 15-Nov-2010

Oklahoma Senate Floor Leader Todd Lamb has officially tendered his resignation from the upper chamber of the Legislature. Lamb was elected lieutenant governor of Oklahoma in this year’s election.

In the letter to Secretary of State Susan Savage dated November 15, Lamb said that “pursuant” to provisions of state law, “I hereby submit this irrevocable letter of resignation from the office of State Senate District 47; such resignation will not become effective immediately, but rather will become effective on Monday, January 10, 2011, upon my taking the oath of office as Lieutenant Governor.”

Lamb requested, “Please direct a copy of this letter to the Governor post-haste so that a date shall be set for a special election as provided by law.”

Sen. Lamb’s letter of resignation was copied to Governor Brad Henry, Governor-elect Mary Fallin, President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee and President Pro Tempore Designate Brian Bingman.

In a statement provided to CapitolBeatOK, Lamb reflected on his tenure in the Senate and service as a Republican from Edmond.

Lamb described his time at the Legislature “a real privilege. My decision to resign will allow the governor to proceed in calling a special election soon, so the citizens of District 47 will continue to be effectively represented. I am honored to have received the overwhelming support from Oklahomans across the state to serve as their next lieutenant governor, and I look forward to continuing to serve the people of our great state.”

Four candidates have either already announced or filed required paperwork with the state Ethics Commission so they can gather campaign contributions.Carol Hefner is considered a formidable candidate, and Greg Treat, a former aide to U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, is a well-regarded early contender.

Also looking at the race are attorneys Kenny Goza and Steven Dobbs.

District 47 covers parts of northwest Oklahoma City and Edmond, where Lamb resides.

Although he and his main opponent raised roughly comparable sums of money, Lamb overwhelmingly prevailed in the contest for the state’s #2 political post.

With final results from all 2,229 precincts, Lamb gained 659,242 votes (64.03% of the total) to 334,711 (32.51%) for the Democrat, state Sen. Kenneth Corn of Poteau. Independent Richard Prawdzienski had 35,665, or 3.46% of the total.