State Senator Testifies During Bribery Hearing, Says He Was 'Shocked'

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY – A state senator and former Democratic Leader of the Senate says he was shocked when a former lawmaker accused of bribery told him she would not run for reelection.

Former State Senator Debbe Leftwich and current State Representative Randy Terrill are charged with bribery. Terrill is accused of trying to create a spot in the State Medical Examiner's Office for Leftwich so she wouldn't seek another term in office.

11/1/2011 Related Story: Lawmakers Testify In Oklahoma Bribery Hearing

On Wednesday, November 2, State Senator Charlie Laster testified during a preliminary hearing. Laster said he knew Leftwich was paying attention to the race and holding fundraisers. He assumed she was running for reelection.

Laster said in early May 2010, Leftwich told him she would not run again, saying it was time to move on. Laster testified he was shocked an incumbent would tell him in May that she was not running when the filing period for candidates was in June.

During cross examination, Laster said Leftwich's reasons for not running did not make sense to him. He also testified he agreed to keep quiet about her decision until a Democrat could be found to run for her seat.