Charlie Laster

Charlie Laster is an American attorney and former Democratic member and Minority Leader of the Oklahoma Senate. Laster served as a caucus leader during a period of Oklahoma history in which the Republican Party and Democratic Party had equal representation in the Oklahoma Senate.

Charlie Laster
Member of the Oklahoma Senate
from the 17th district
In office
2003–2012
Preceded byBrad Henry
Succeeded byRon Sharp
Personal details
Born (1954-04-18) April 18, 1954
Shawnee, Oklahoma, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Kathy Laster
ResidenceShawnee, Oklahoma, U.S.
Alma materOklahoma State University,
University of Oklahoma
Professionattorney

Early life

Laster graduated from Shawnee High School in 1972, Oklahoma State University in 1976, and received his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1979. While at Oklahoma State University, Laster played competitive tennis in the Big 8 Conference.

Political career

Laster was first elected in a special election on February 11, 2003[1] to replace the seat left vacant by Brad Henry who was elected governor in 2002. Laster's opponent, Kris Steele,[1] later went on to be the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Laster rose to leadership within the Democratic caucus, serving as chair of the committee that vets criminal and tort reform legislation.

When Democratic Party and Republican Party attained equal membership in the Oklahoma Senate, Laster was named the Democratic Floor Leader by then President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan to serve during the 51st Legislature. In the hopes that the Democratic Party would recapture the majority of Senate seats, Laster was named President Pro Tempore-designate by the Democratic caucus. They failed to do so, losing two seats to the Republicans. Despite the poor showing of the caucus in the elections, Laster was named unanimously as the Minority Floor Leader for the 52nd Legislature in November 2008.

Election results

2008 General Election[2]

Candidate Votes %
  Charlie Laster 15,806 56.55%
  Donald Rominger 12,145 43.45%

Primary Election July 27, 2004[3]

Candidate Votes %
  Charlie Laster 5,713 78.31%
  Russel Bristow 1,582 21.69%

February 11, 2003 Special General Election[1]

Candidate Votes %
  Charlie Laster 5,849 54.25%
  Kris Steele 4,933 45.75%

January 14, 2003 Special Primary Election[1]

Candidate Votes %
  Charlie Laster 3,358 71.30%
  Greg Wilson 1,352 28.70%

References
  1. Results of 2003 Special Election, Oklahoma State Election Board (accessed April 29, 2013)
  2. 2008 Election Results, Oklahoma State Election Board (accessed April 29, 2013)
  3. 2004 Primary Results, Oklahoma State Election Board (accessed April 29, 2013)
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