For the first time in nearly 25 years, Gov. Kevin Stitt plans on opening an office for Oklahoma and the governor's office in Washington, D.C.State Rep. Mike Sanders, who worked in Washington from 2001 to 2007 in former President George W. Bush's administration, thinks opening the office is a good idea. Sanders told KOCO 5 that he's all for having boots on the ground because it's important to have someone who can speak directly for Oklahomans at the nation's capital."I think having someone there that can articulate and communicate and build relationships; that's the key," Sanders said. According to Sanders, the congressional delegation works hard to make sure Oklahoma's voice is heard. He said, however, that some issues require direct work with federal agencies."Our two senators and five congressmen, not only do they take care of Oklahoma but they also deal with national defense and border issues and issues within the entire country," Sanders said. "In Oklahoma, we're concerned about good roads and bridges and education and health. So, it's importantly beyond belief."Democratic Minority Leader Rep. Emily Virgin said while it's not a bad idea, it doesn't make much sense financially to have someone in Washington, D.C., full-time. "I"m not sure what having another person there representing us would do other than maybe identify some opportunities," Virgin said. "We know a major opportunity that we have, and that's Medicaid expansion. And the governor has expressed opposition to it time and time again. So, if the person is going to be telling opportunities like that and the governor isn't going to listen, what good does it do?"Stitt plans to start interviewing candidates soon and forming a liaison office to represent the state's interests. Funding for the office will initially come from the governor's budget.