Social conservatives are stirred up over Oklahoma speaker-elect's comments


Some House Republicans say the next speaker of the House of Representatives should put more emphasis on so-called social issues, such as anti-immigration and gun laws. Others say they should wait until the agenda for next year's session is drawn up during caucus meetings next week.

BY MICHAEL MCNUTT
December 4, 2010


A month before he is to be elected House speaker, Kris Steele is facing a major challenge next week with members of the Republican caucus.

Several social conservative members are upset that Steele wants to focus on economic development, and took comments he made last week to mean he would dissuade them from filing bills cracking down on illegal immigration, expanding gun rights or supporting various pro-family issues.

Rep. Mike Christian, R-Oklahoma City, said Friday he may not support Steele, R-Shawnee, during next month's speaker election if Arizona-type immigration laws and open carrying of firearms, including on college campuses, are not a part of the House Republican agenda.

Both issues are important to his south Oklahoma City district, Christian said, and his support played a key role in his winning office.

“If it's not part of the agenda, then I don't know that I can support or vote for the speaker,â€