 Phillips would go on to succeed Marland and governor, becoming the first state representative in office to successfully campaign to become governor.After the resignation of Speaker Harold Freeman in order to enter military service after the 1943 session, Merle Lansden was elected to the office, the first time a speaker was elected due to a vacancy.Lansden presided over a special session called by Governor Robert S. Kerr to ensure military men and women could participate in the 1944 elections.