Once again, the House of Representatives has voted 20-20, and once again there is still no Speaker, or Speaker Pro Tem. The House remains unorganized and cannot conduct business.
Rep. Bart LeBon of Fairbanks, whose name has been offered by Republicans twice for Speaker Pro Tem, nominated a man who is arguably the most popular legislator in Juneau, and one who is considered to have no natural enemies — Rep. Laddie Shaw.
But the Democrats, undeclareds, and Rep. Louise Stutes, a Kodiak Republican, were having none of it and voted Shaw down along caucus lines.
And so ended another quick House floor session on Monday. Former Speaker Bryce Edgmon is holding onto the Speaker’s office and still has a huge staff to support him, although he is no longer speaker. He is making a play for the role for the third time, but is not popular among Republicans and some Democrats. Democrats have not nominated him for Speaker or Speaker Pro Tem.
The House will convene in a floor session on Tuesday, to try once again to organize. Meanwhile, the Senate held a technical floor session today, gaveling and gaveling out, and business is being conducted in committees.
