Magnanimous Handling by the Speaker

January 6, 2009 9:16 am

by Erick · 9 comments

No retribution from the Speaker for challenging him.

Richardson told him he won’t lose influence or committee assignments or be exiled to a far-flung office, common punishments for lawmakers who opposed past speakers’ re-election bids, England said.

“He and I sat down and talked in Atlanta, and we’re good,” he said. “He pledged that he’s as ready as we are to work for the people of Georgia, and he won’t punish anyone.”

Benton and England said at the time that they wanted new leadership because Richardson’s aggressive style – he publicly insulted other officials and bullied colleagues into supporting his plan to eliminate property taxes – was counterproductive and distracted from the issues. But Richardson has promised to tone it down, England said.

“I think you’ll see some things smooth out,” he said. “Cooler heads will prevail, hopefully.”

I suspect we’re about to see the Speaker “re-invent” himself, or at least re-tool his image. I hope so.

I do believe that of the major politicians in Atlanta, the Speaker is on the high side of the IQ curve ahead of most. The problem has always been that he knows it. His bullying and personal conduct have tainted the atmosphere up there.

I hope he will tone it down and get things done. I don’t much like being opposed to a guy who does good work. This was the guy who sought out Art Laffer, which means he’s got to be fundamentally solid. He just needs to let that come through more.

{ 9 comments }

jenny January 6, 2009 at 9:34 am

Well, I hope that the speaker is going to extend to the entire House the same courtesy. We’ll see if Bobby Franklin keeps his chairman position and office after challenging the ruling of the chair last year. I sure hope he does. It’s a nice big office and I have to have somewhere to land with six kids at the Capitol.

Glenn just has a hot temper. But once he cools off, he’s quite likable.

Romegaguy January 6, 2009 at 9:45 am

six kids at the Capitol should be considered child abuse… Good to see you doing your part to help keep Georgia #1

Icarus January 6, 2009 at 9:56 am

I’m posting via blackberry most of today, so comments will be short.

Very glad to see this from the speaker. I, too, believe he’s working hard to get his leadership style where it needs to be. As one of his biggest critics on here, I remain somewhat skeptical, but am encouraged.

Southwest GA Libertarian January 6, 2009 at 9:58 am

You can post via crackberry??

Bucky Plyler January 6, 2009 at 9:58 am

Hi Icarus. Just curious-do you know if the speaker reads PP much?

Icarus January 6, 2009 at 10:51 am

Yes I can. A bit more difficult, but I’m all about the cause.

And no, I don’t know.

Taft Republican January 6, 2009 at 3:52 pm

If anything happens to Bobby Franklin, (a) I won’t be surprised, and (b) Georgia is doomed. Probably the most honest, principled legislator in the GA House today. And really nice, too.

atlantaman January 6, 2009 at 10:31 pm

What about Graves?

Buzz Brockway January 7, 2009 at 9:47 am

Kudos to the Speaker. Now let’s get to work! :-)

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