Oklahoma’s DeWitt punts on SB 1569
Although the Oklahoma Senate overwhelmingly passed SB 1569 “Identity and Eligibility of Candidates” by a 34 to 8 vote, Republican House Majority Floor Leader Dale DeWitt absolutely refused to schedule the Third Reading prior to the legislatures deadline of April 26 to act on bills and resolutions from the Senate. DeWitt is solely responsible for the death of this critical bill, which the entire Oklahoma electorate will now spend taxpayer dollars to place at least one constitutionally ineligible candidate on the general election ballot.
DeWitt appears to have joined a growing list of constitutional obstructionists who put Party politics before their oath of office -
[Oklahoma’s] OATH OF OFFICE
I, _____________________________________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma, and that I will not, knowingly, receive, directly or indirectly, any money or other valuable thing, for the performance or nonperformance of any act or duty pertaining to my office, other than the compensation allowed by law; I further swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully discharge my duties as ______________________to the best of my ability.
We know DeWitt’s office was contacted again and again and again by fellow Oklahoman’s to schedule SB 1569 for a final floor vote, but their pleas were ignored. The only question left to ask is “Why?”
Why would the Republican Majority Floor Leader not schedule a final vote on SB 1569? His caucus has a 70 – 31 majority - the largest number of Republican’s in Oklahoma history.
