This is interesting: Ohio’s statehouse Dems formed a coalition with moderate Republicans in their speaker election against a far-right candidate for speaker — and their moderate candidate won. Via 13abc.com:
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVG) – Ohio lawmakers have appointed a new Speaker of the House to succeed Rep. Bob Cupp as the 135th General Assembly begins.
Lawmakers voted Rep. Jason Stephens (R), of Kitts Hill, as Ohio’s next Speaker of the House, despite the Republican Caucus’ decision in November to name Rep. Derek Merrin (R), of Moncolva, to the position. Merrin lost the speaker vote 54-43 to Stephens on Tuesday.
Republicans control the House and could have elected a speaker without any Democrats, but members of the GOP became divided on their support for Merrin in recent weeks. Democratic House Minority Leader Allison Russo told the Columbus Dispatch that Democratic members took the opportunity to back Stephens because they felt he would work on redistricting matters in good faith, along with other initiatives like school funding, workers rights, and infrastructure projects.
Half a loaf is better than none at all, especially in politics.
