House Dems want to impeach State Superintendent Ryan Walters -- and fundraise off it

When you're a superminority party unable to do anything of consequence in the Legislature by reason of holding so few seats, what better way to try to regain relevance by drumming up attention with calls for an impeachment? Quick! Get CNN and MSNBC on the line!

And, of course, raise a quick buck off the political stunt. Gotta fundraise somehow!

Photo: Tyler Talley, Quorum Call

House Democrats Call on Speaker of the House to Form Special Bipartisan Committee to Investigate ‎State Superintendent

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, House Democrats called on the Speaker of the House to form a special bipartisan committee to investigate possible impeachment charges for State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters amid recent bomb threats at Tulsa area elementary schools believed to be linked to Walters' rhetoric about Tulsa Public Schools.

“Oklahomans deserve a public school system where parents, students and teachers feel safe to go to school and the needs of our students are prioritized over dangerous political rhetoric,” said House Democratic Caucus Chair Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater.

House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City said the special bipartisan committee would investigate the current state superintendent to determine if his actions rise to the level of impeachment.

“Allocating funds for public education should be free of corruption or political gain. There is already evidence of Walters’ corruption through misspent federal dollars along with discrepancies in his campaign finances. Paired with his toxic rhetoric that is impacting the safety of our schools, we believe it is more than enough to, at the very least, investigate him,” Leader Munson said.

Rep. Provenzano mentioned that the rhetoric from the state superintendent has been harmful and potentially compromised the safety of school children. She also believes he is willfully neglecting his duty of office.

“The rhetoric from the state superintendent has, up until now, been designed to distract and ‎sow chaos. But now, elementary schools in the Tulsa area have received bomb threats as a ‎result of disinformation shared by him. Our children deserve to be safe. The willful neglect of ‎that duty, even in the highest offices in our state, cannot and will not be ‎overlooked. Enough is enough,” Rep. Provenzano added.

Leader Munson said, "We share in the growing frustration of Oklahomans across our state who want action to address their deep concerns for the future of public education. It is now time for action."

Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Floyd on call for an investigation of state superintendent

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, issued the following statement Tuesday regarding the House Democrats’ call for an investigation into the actions of the state superintendent of public instruction.

“We support our Democratic colleagues in the State House in their call for the Speaker of the House to convene a special bipartisan committee to investigate the actions of the state superintendent of public instruction amid bomb threats for Tulsa area elementary schools. These threats are a direct result of reckless rhetoric and must be addressed.

“As elected leaders, we are obligated to our constituents to hold the government accountable to the people of Oklahoma. The safety of Oklahoma’s students and families depends on changes to the current situation.” – Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City