Some say speaker’s enthusiasm is too obvious
OKLAHOMA CITY (OP) –
House Speaker Todd Hiett has been
asked to wear more loose-fitting pants
when he discusses the issue of lawsuit
reform.
Hiett, R-Kellyville, has made tort
reform a key component of the House
Republican agenda, but many say that
his enthusiasm for the issue is distracting,
even disturbing.
“We understand he has a sizable tort reform package,”
said House Democratic
Leader Jari Askins, D-Duncan, “We
just don’t need to be reminded of that
every day.”
The call for baggier pants has bipartisan
support.
“We believe the speaker is committed to meaningful tort reform for the state of Oklahoma,”
said Rep. Fred Morgan,
chair of the House Judiciary Committee,
which handled Hiett’s massive
tort reform bill. “However, some of us
question
whether his current
set of
trousers can
accommodate
his enthusiasm.”
“There’s
no question
that (Hiett) is a
stiff, rigid advocate
of tort
reform,”
said
Rep. David Braddock,
D-Altus. “We are simply concerned
that he is too stiff.”
For his part, Hiett has agreed to
remain behind a podium when discussing
his massive package, as well as
taking a cold shower immediately afterwards.
