Growth of Republicans continues in Oklahoma

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Feb 20, 2001

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Since 1980, the percentage of registered Republicans in Oklahoma has kept rising -- and the percentage of Democrats has continued to shrink.

When Ronald Reagan was elected, more than 75 percent of the state's registered voters were Democrats.

Since then, Republicans have consistently cut into that advantage and now trail Democrats among registered voters, 36 percent to 55 percent.

During the latest election in November, Republicans gained 11 seats in the state House and Senate and now make up 45 percent of the Legislature.

Sen. Keith Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City, said the trend is putting state Democrats in a new situation.

"We have to speak more. We have to trust each other more. We can't retreat to our respective camps," Leftwich said.

GOP lawmakers are confident the rise in their party's popularity in Oklahoma will continue -- and numbers show they may be right.

Between August and October of last year, more than 27,000 Republicans registered to vote compared to 18,000 Democrats.

Sen. Charles Ford, R-Tulsa, said more young Oklahomans are registering as Republicans. He expects the party's numbers to get even better when term limits take effect in four years, forcing out veteran Democrats.

Democratic numbers also are hurt because many voters are opting for independent status, State Election Board Secretary Lance Ward said.

Ward said when he first came to Oklahoma, he was told to register as a Democrat because that was where the most exciting races were. But that may no longer be the case.

State Rep. Fred Morgan, R-Oklahoma, said the Republicans' increased numbers simply support the fact that most Oklahomans are conservative. He said now the party's registration is starting to reflect the state's beliefs.