Charlie Laster is an American attorney and formerDemocratic member andMinority Leader of theOklahoma Senate. Laster served as a caucus leader during a period ofOklahoma history in which theRepublican Party andDemocratic Party had equal representation in theOklahoma Senate.

Laster graduated from Shawnee High School in 1972,Oklahoma State University in 1976, and received his J.D. from theUniversity of Oklahoma College of Law in 1979. While at Oklahoma State University, Laster played competitivetennis in theBig 8 Conference.

Laster was first elected in a special election on February 11, 2003^[1] to replace the seat left vacant byBrad Henry who was elected governor in 2002. Laster's opponent,Kris Steele,^[1] later went on to be theSpeaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Laster rose to leadership within theDemocratic caucus, serving as chair of the committee that vets criminal and tort reform legislation.

WhenDemocratic Party andRepublican Party attained equal membership in theOklahoma Senate, Laster was named the Democratic Floor Leader by then President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan to serve during the 51st Legislature. In the hopes that theDemocratic Party would recapture the majority of Senate seats, Laster was named President Pro Tempore-designate by theDemocratic caucus. They failed to do so, losing two seats to the Republicans. Despite the poor showing of the caucus in the elections, Laster was named unanimously as the Minority Floor Leader for the 52nd Legislature in November 2008.

2008 General Election^[2]

Primary Election July 27, 2004^[3]

February 11, 2003 Special General Election^[1]

January 14, 2003 Special Primary Election^[1]

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• Follow the Money Profile, 2004