Political Career
Laster was first elected in a special election on February 11, 2003 to replace the seat left vacant by Brad Henry who was elected governor in 2002. Laster quickly rose to leadership within the Democratic Party, being named Chairman of the powerful Judiciary Committee, which handles criminal laws and tort reform. Upon the Democrats and Republicans attaining equal votes in the body, Laster was named the Democratic Floor Leader by then President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan to serve during the 51st Legislature. At the conclusion of the last session in anticipation of the 2008 elections, Laster was named by the Democratic Caucus as the President Pro Tempore-Designate should the Democrats recapture the majority. 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.
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