By Rebecca Campbell
Sitting in the press box observing the Senate of the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature does not sound interesting, but in reality it is. As the call for questions commences, the senators all gather at the front of the chamber as though they are sharks looking for blood. Watching the senators look for someone to caucus with, one gathers a sense that they are intimate with one another- in the sense that they all know each other fairly well. With the Senate being a smaller delegation than the House, it is no surprise that they are able to caucus with one another on a more personal level. Each senator looks as though they have been doing this for several sessions already. However, there are several new senators this session.
As journalist Rebecca Campbell is sitting in the press box, watching as each senator attempts to persuade their colleagues to see their side of the argument, she is watching as zero star Senator Caleb Baca of the Rogers State University approach the dias with a question for the chair about the amendment he is writing for the current piece of legislation the Senate is arguing. As he sits at his desk, Senator Baca is attempting to get another senator to help him write the amendment in order for it to make sense. All of that is being done while a majority of the senators have gathered in what looks like a mosh pit around the author of the bill. Seeing them from all different walks of life come together in order to make Oklahoma greater than it already is, means that everyone in the Senate chambers truly is passionate about not only passing legislation, but also Oklahoma.
But perhaps the best thing to see is how much the more experienced senators are helping the zero stars. Yesterday during the opening joint session of O.I.L, members of the different delegations who have been to session before somewhat escorted the newest members of the Senate into the House chambers. It was quite nice to see. One might almost describe it as a passing of the guard.
With a view from above, one can see why the Senate may be called “the mind of the people.” Everything that the senators do is done with a purpose. Every motion is made with a specific point in mind. Sure, the Senate might not be as loud as the House. They don’t even clap or sing the state song after they pass a piece of legislation, but that isn’t to say that the Senate isn’t as much fun. The Senate might not be as rambunctious as the House, but that isn’t to say that they aren’t as much fun to watch.