Amidst the political turmoil at the Oklahoma State Capitol, Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton has openly condemned Governor Kevin Stitt for his recent remarks about Senator Paul Rosino's spouse. In a statement that echoed through the halls of governance, Paxton called the governor's actions "disgraceful" and criticized him for targeting a family member of a state senator. "Governor Stitt has crossed a line," Paxton said on the Oklahoma Senate, drawing a boundary in the proverbial sand of political discourse.
Accusations flew from Paxton’s corner as he highlighted the personal nature of the governor's attack. According to a statement obtained by the Oklahoma Senate website, the embattled governor aimed his criticism at an individual who serves as a part-time administrative employee, which Paxton suggests has nothing to do with the pressing issues at hand. "Instead of attacking a public servant’s spouse, the governor should be addressing the real problem - his own failed appointee,” Paxton articulated, placing the onus back on Stitt’s decision-making abilities.
The clash seems to root deeper, with Paxton painting it as a recurring issue where the legislature is left to clean up after costly blunders by the executive. "The executive branch continues to produce multimillion-dollar disasters that are routinely dumped in the Legislature’s lap to clean up," Paxton asserted on the Oklahoma Senate, amplifying the rift between the state's legislative and executive branches.
Further underscoring the governor's alleged missteps, Paxton explained the rationale behind entrusting Senator Rosino with a resolution, citing his position as Senate Chairman of Health and Human Services and the need for "real leadership." “For Governor Stitt to retaliate by targeting a Senator’s spouse is beneath the dignity of his office,” the Pro Tem decried as per Oklahoma Senate, framing Stitt's actions as a misfired retaliation unfit for the state's chief executive.
