Oklahoma crisis offers opportunity for hapless Democrats

Dunnington and fellow Democrats are attacking those bills, hoping opposition offers their party a path back to relevance after many years in the wilderness.

[...] the worst budget crisis in recent state history presents an opportunity for a possible Democratic comeback, although it might mean inflicting more suffering on some constituents after three straight years of revenue shortfalls.

Erin Taylor, whose youngest of five children receives supplemental health insurance through a state program because of a disability, is fearful of seeing her benefits slashed.

The minority party is playing hardball, insisting on restoring GOP-backed cuts to the income tax or raising the oil and gas production tax in exchange for their votes.

Rep. Scott Inman, the leader of 26 House Democrats and a candidate for governor in 2018, said Republicans "cannot embarrass or shame my caucus into voting for tax hikes for middle-class families while they give oil and gas companies a break."

Republicans blame Inman for the impasse in negotiations, saying he's more concerned with his political future than coming up with a workable plan to solve the budget crisis.