Suzanne, thank you for this most cogent and well-written analysis of the dynamics of Speaker races, and especially of the evolving chaos of this one. One point bears emphasizing: Speaker races have traditionally been the exclusive province of the members — no outside interference allowed. The intervention of donors, lobbyists, and the state GOP — and even the Lite Guv, who has nothing to do with the House — is troubling. Once the walls come down, it is hard to rebuild them.
Suzanne, thank you for this most cogent and well-written analysis of the dynamics of Speaker races, and especially of the evolving chaos of this one. One point bears emphasizing: Speaker races have traditionally been the exclusive province of the members — no outside interference allowed. The intervention of donors, lobbyists, and the state GOP — and even the Lite Guv, who has nothing to do with the House — is troubling. Once the walls come down, it is hard to rebuild them.