From BillingsGazette:

Top leadership spots for the 2011 legislative session appear to be already settled, except for the House Republican caucus.

In the 68-member House Republican meeting Tuesday, a contested race is set for the top job of House speaker between Reps. Krayton Kerns of Laurel and Mike Milburn of Cascade.

Kerns has described himself as the Tea Party favorite, although Milburn has said fiscal issues would be his top priority as speaker.

The House speaker appoints committees, sets the House agenda and directs the House business and usually is the House’s key negotiator with the Senate and governor’s office.

Three Republicans are vying for the House majority leader’s job. They are Reps. Duane Ankney of Colstrip and Tom McGillvray and Ken Peterson, both of Billings.

Read the Rest…