OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, issued the following statement today after House Bill 2173 passed off the House floor.

“The last minute change to substitute completely new language into House Bill 2173 is pure political shenanigans. That’s why I dropped my support for this bill. What was previously a good bill to fix an election day loophole became what everyone despises – a political power grab at the expense of the people.

“Empowering the Oklahoma Governor and Speaker of the House to appoint a replacement for a sitting U.S. senator instead of letting the people decide is a return to the days of the smoke-filled rooms at the Capitol.

“What other choices will this body cancel from the people? Initiative petitions? Or maybe a presidential election? Not only does this bill NOT drain the swamp, it opens the floodgates and lays claim to land.

“If this bill makes it to the Governor, I encourage him to stand by his commitment to the ‘People’s Agenda’ by vetoing this outrageous incumbent selection bill.”