GOP Caucus Could Be Contentious, Tension-Filled As Speaker-Designate Elected, Blackwell Discussed

Monday's House Republican Caucus, at which a new speaker-designate will be elected, could be a contentious, tension-filled meeting, several insiders say today.

At issue will be the election of a new speaker-designate to replace Lance Cargill. It is believed Rep. Chris Benge is the favorite going in, with Rep. Susan Winchester in second place. Some believe that as of Sunday afternoon, Benge has a one- or two-vote lead, but that could change. If Benge doesn't win on a first ballot, several believe, Winchester could benefit. Reps. Dale DeWitt and John Wright also are candidates and given the fluidity of opinion as of Sunday afternoon, it appears either one also could be a contender given the right circumstances even though that seems unlikely.

But contributing most to the tension some feel today is whether Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell, who withdrew as a speaker candidate almost certain to win when his tardy property tax payments were reported, should remain as the No. 2 Republican in the House. Only one House Republican, Paul Wesselhoft, has spoken publicly and he says Blackwell should not remain in that position. Others say privately they are not comfortable with him remaining and in the privacy of the Caucus, they will say so if necessary.

"We need a clean sweep," one GOP House member said Sunday. "The whole state is watching us and how we perform is going to be criticized and second-guessed til the cows come home." He added that Democrat hopes of electing Danny Morgan as speaker if enough Republicans unhappy with their own selection defect when the final vote comes on the House floor "are foolish...a pipe dream."

Said a second: "If we continue with flawed leadership...we'll pay a price come November." He added, "However, it's a tough deal, real tough."

A third, however, defends Blackwell: "He's done nothing illegal. He shouldn't have to pay an even greater price than he already has."

Asked if Blackwell should have withdrawn as a candidate for speaker, the member hesitated, then said, "Well...I don't think he had any choice given what Lance did (resign as speaker over late tax payments)."

The Caucus is scheduled first thing Monday. The entire House will vote on the new speaker in the afternoon.

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