I felt the need to write a bit and tell about the first days after the election.
On Wednesday, the day after, all of the House Republican members made quick recoveries from their watch parties and assembled in the house chamber to select leadership.
John Wiemann was elected as the Speaker Pro Tem, Dean Plocher was elected the Majority Floor Leader, Assistant Floor Leader is Hannah Kelly, Majority Caucus Chair is Sara Walsh, Caucus Secretary is Ann Kelley, and Allen Andrew was elected as the Majority Whip.
Representative Rob Vescovo was previously selected to be the Speaker of the House beginning in January 2021.
Following the election of officers, members drew for offices. Seniors get first pick, then junior members of the House, sophomores are next, and finally freshman.
The fourth, third, and second floor offices in the Capitol are occupied by upper classmen. The freshmen will select from the remaining offices on the noisy first floor. The first floor is also the furthest away from the chamber.
A freshman orientation began on Thursday. Plans were made for a two and half week statewide freshman tour beginning Nov.18. Winter caucus is Dec. 14.
Bills are lining up for pre-filing. First day of session is Jan. 6, 2021.
This freshman class is an impressive mix of professionals.
In this class of 47 new members I’ve met one doctor, a nurse, two retired bankers, a retired firefighter and a retired highway patrolman. There are retired military personnel and civilian engineers. Freshman Ed Lewis is a chemistry and physics college professor.
There are those with the expected political science and law degrees. There is no shortage of freshmen with agriculture backgrounds and impressive business experience. Most new members are older and mature but there is one new member, Michael Davis, who just met a qualifying threshold. He is a likeable 25 years of age.
I’m excited to make a contribution to the mix and I’m honored to add your voice to the conversation.
(Bruce Sassmann, a Republican from Bland, was elected Nov. 3 as representative for the 62nd House District. He replaces Tom Hurst who is termed out after four two-year terms).