Alaska House speaker vote fails amid ongoing talks
Posted Feb 4, 2019 02:56:55 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
JUNEAU, Alaska — A vote for permanent speaker of the Alaska House failed Monday amid ongoing efforts to organize the chamber.
Republican Rep. David Eastman sought to force a vote, which came three weeks into the session.
A vote for Republican Rep. Dave Talerico failed 20-20, after Democratic Rep. Bryce Edgmon, who also was nominated, declined to be considered for the time being.
Republican Rep. Gary Knopp, who has favoured a bipartisan group in control on the House, said he could support Talerico in the future. But he says the House needs to be organized in a way with “success potential.”
In 1981, it took 22 days for a permanent speaker to be elected. However, that organization was tenuous and the speaker was later replaced.
Tuesday is the 22nd day of this session.
Becky Bohrer, The Associated Press