Seemingly without fail each year, a new legislative caucus pops up at the Oklahoma Capitol.For those who spend less time than I do in the halls of government, a caucus is a group of lawmakers unified around shared goals. There are legislative caucuses dedicated to women, rural issues, veterans, Black and Hispanic people, the future, diabetes, and even an American Irish State Legislators Caucus. The list is seemingly endless.Nonpartisan caucuses that focus on uniting lawmakers of diverse backgrounds through shared experiences and free food can sometimes make for meaningful decisions from your state government.But the latest addition to the list — the Freedom Caucus — appears to be an invasive, noxious species of weed that, if allowed to take root, could begin to take over our legislative process.The caucus’ arrival should raise alarm bells because it’s an indication that a battle is brewing for the soul and control of the Oklahoma GOP, the overwhelmingly dominant party in the Legislature. The fight will be between the more moderate conservative members, who hold the most influential leadership posts, and a small faction of the far-right wing who may try to insert an oversized influence and add unnecessary chaos into the mix.I know what you’re thinking: How can anyone be more conservative than Oklahoma Republicans who have already stripped the rights of women to get an abortion or for trans children to use a school bathroom? Well, it can get worse.In other states, the small caucuses try to throw their weight around to stall non-controversial bills in their bid to push legislative policies further to the right. And oddly enough, the Freedom Caucus views losing as winning because they consider it a victory if they can expose “fake Republicans.”They’ve been so disruptive in these other states, including Missouri and South Carolina, that Republican leaders have taken the unusual step of stripping them of power or punishing them by taking away their reserved parking spots.The Oklahoma launch is the latest victory for the State Freedom Caucus Network, a right-wing national organization that has helped launch 11 other chapters. Legislators who sign on tend to be far-right — even by Republican standards — on the political spectrum.For instance, Oklahoma’s caucus chair Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, has said he views maternity leave as “six weeks paid vacation.” (As a mom of two, I will assure you that the first few months with a newborn is no ...
