State Rep. Ken Miller is dropping out of the race to replace House Speaker Chris Benge and is endorsing his rival for the job, Rep. Kris Steele.
Miller, a Republican from Edmond, made the announcement Monday. Miller says he's honored to have been considered for the House's top leadership position. But he says he looks forward to working closely with Steele to move the state forward.
With no other House Republicans expressing interest in the position, Steele, of Shawnee, is likely to become the next speaker of the House. Republicans hold a 61-seat majority in the 101-member House.
Benge, of Tulsa, is term limited and cannot seek re-election. he will remain speaker of the House through November 2010.
House Republicans will formally vote on Benge's replacement on Oct 19.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
