Rep. Kris Steele (R-Shawnee) said Thursday his tenure as Speaker will be marked by recognizing the gifts and talents of each lawmaker, both Republican and Democrat.

     In addition to electing Steele as the next state House Speaker Thursday, the House Republican caucus chose Rep. Jeff Hickman (R-Dacoma) as Speaker Pro Tem and Rep. Weldon Watson (R-Tulsa) as caucus chairman.