McCall, state House leaders praise the service of Jim Inhofe

Oklahoma Speaker of the House Charles McCall, R-Atoka, was among the firs to praise the life and public service of former U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, who died early month. In his statement, sent to CityNews, McCall reflected:

"Sen. Jim Inhofe was someone who truly lived up to his middle name of Mountain. A giant in Oklahoma and American politics, his steadfast leadership helped shape the course of our state and nation for decades. His contributions to our nation's military and aviation infrastructure will benefit our country for generations to come, and his commitment to his conservative values was unwavering. There are few who have served in the U.S. Senate who were as well-respected and revered as Sen. Inhofe, and we truly will not see his like again."

State Representative Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore said Inhofe “was a true son of Oklahoma and always kept our core beliefs and values close to his heart. He helped change the face of the aviation industry in Oklahomans its champion both here and in Washington, D.C.

"We were so blessed to have him as our senator. We will be keeping his wife, Kay, and the entire family and the 'Inhofe Team' in our prayers.”

Inhofe was the longest-serving U.S. Senator in state history. He had notable ability to work on a bi-partisan basis for national defense, and other issues.

( https://www.citynewsokc.com/opinion/james-mountain-inhofe-has-passed-away-analysis-of-an-electoral-powerhouse/article_6346796e-3e21-11ef-93be-7bbb7d33ae8f.html )

House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, said “few have done more. … From supporting countless miles of infrastructure development, standing up for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers, his commitment to our men and women in uniform, or his unwavering commitment to conservative values, and so much more, Oklahoma lost an irreplaceable legend.”

Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, also from Oklahoma City, commented on behalf of legislative Democrats, saying, “My condolences go out to the family and friends of Senator Jim Inhofe. He was a tenacious leader, state representative, and United States Senator who stood firm in his convictions. He bravely served our country in more ways than one and has left a long lasting impact on the State of Oklahoma.”