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If you are someone who is fed up and just plain turned off by the “inside baseball” of the political process, you should stop reading this message and go about your day.
If you are still reading, then…
The surprise selection of House Speaker Jason Stephans is having a continuing impact on the Ohio House of Representatives as it is trying to start the 2-year 135th General Assembly.
As a reminder, Toledo area Representative Derek Merrin was widely expected to be elected Speaker due to his garnering of support from a majority of the Republican caucus in a meeting in November after the election. However, at the beginning of January southern Ohio Representative Stephans outmaneuvered Representative Merrin to win the official election to be Speaker by putting together a coalition of approximately one third of the Republican Caucus with all the members of the Democratic Caucus. The vote was 54-43.
As of the time of writing this message this week, strong feelings among Republican members seem to carrying the day and there is no clear path forward. Quotes are attributed to Rep. Merrin that while he is not focused on removal of Speaker Stephans, he sees himself as leader of the Republican caucus and intends to exert his influence over policy considerations It is being reported that currently three caucuses are operating in the House:
- Rep. Merrin’s group with 43 Republican members
- Speaker Stephan’s 22 Republican members
- Minority Leader Russo’s 32 Democratic members
- Note: 2 Republican members were absent for the official vote
Barring a joining of two of the caucuses, members are left to seek ways to organize committees, adopt rules regarding House policy considerations, hire staff, introduce legislation, and accomplish the normal business of beginning a 2-year legislative session. It is early yet, but these are not normal times and the outcome of this remains in doubt. In the meantime, no committees have been formed, nor legislation introduced.
CMA members who have questions about these issues should feel free to contact Malcolm Porter.
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