Becca Yanez (OU)
During the pandemic, traditional aspects of session such as caucuses quickly died out. However, one freshman senator from the University of Oklahoma made it his mission to revive the Progressive Caucus. The Progressive Caucus was once a powerful caucus. Lieutenant Governor-elect Kurt LeVan recalls caucusing as something that was prominent in session before the pandemic.
“I was an honorary member of the Senate women’s caucus. My bill we brought during the last in-person session before COVID was actually ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and we only need one more state to do it,” LeVan said.
“They (caucuses) were a really big part of the senate– we like to say we’re the mind of the people and hashing out ideas with people who believe the same way you do as well as people for oppose was fun,” LeVan said. “I believe we’re going to see a major bounce back after COVID.”
When asked about the progressive caucus, LeVan explained that the progressive caucus was once a sizable caucus that existed in both the senate and house chambers that honed a sense of comradery amongst delegates. When asked what words of wisdom he would offer younger members, LeVan emphasized the welcoming environment that the progressive has always held and the importance of standing your ground.
“Don’t be afraid to get involved, say what’s on your mind, bring what you have in your toolbox per say,” LeVan said.
Many younger members would argue that LeVan is right about the potential resurgence of caucusing after the pandemic. One freshman from the University of Oklahoma, Senator Connor Boren, has made it his mission to revive the Progressive Caucus in the senate as chairman of the progressive caucus. When asked about the caucus’s current purpose, Boren described the sense of unity and safety that the caucus brought to the senators.
“We can just talk as peers instead of just as delegates. My future plans for the caucus– I would love if we met over the summer so we could draft bills, my intent is to see this grow into more of a community that produces acceptance and inclusivity in O.I.L,” Boren said. “ When session is in person, I plan on having the progressive caucus meet in person, the intent of the caucus is to provide a resource for younger delegates.”
Upon being asked what advice Boren would give his younger peers, he urged them to DM him or any progressive caucus members involved.
Ultimately, caucusing has been an outlet for delegates in O.I.L. for a long time, and it surely won’t be an aspect of O.I.L. that dies out anytime soon.