In a statement emailed to Oklahoma Gazette, he said: "It has been a great honor to serve as speaker of
the House, and I am proud of the things we as a team accomplished. ... But
now it is time for a new leader to take up the cause of generating
conservative policy. The people of Oklahoma deserve a leader who is 100 percent dedicated to solving the challenging issues that face our state. I am
stepping aside so a new speaker can be fully devoted to the business of
the state, as I turn my attention to solving the problems that face our
country."
Shannon said his resignation is effective at noon today.
