Hampton – Gunn will decide the party role

Hampton – Gunn will decide the party role

Rep. Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, appears on track to be the next speaker of the House after being chosen last week by House Republicans to be the nominee when the House convenes on Jan. 3.

With Republicans now set to hold 65 seats in the 122 member House, the GOP can elect the next speaker, who will appoint chairmen and set the agenda for the chamber.

The meeting was behind closed doors, but Gunn reportedly was told two things: If another Republican opposed him, he or she would be ostracized; and, that he should appoint a few Democrats to minor committee chairmanships, but not to leadership posts with any meaning.

Clarion Ledger
11/18/11