PENDER: No surprise Speaker Gunn, House Republicans enjoying the spoils of victory

GEOFF PENDER: Gunn no longer a ferret herder in House

Republican Speaker Philip Gunn last week moved to shore up his power in the House.

He named only two Democrats — both of whom frequently vote with the GOP leadership on key votes — to chair committees for the new term. House Republicans are also proposing tweaks to joint rules that could thwart minority power in legislating.

This should come as no surprise. To the victor belong the spoils (a term coined by Democrats, it should be noted). And the House GOP pulled off a rout in November, gaining seven seats and a first in modern history three-fifths House supermajority.

ClarionLedger
1/30/16