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Home / Mississippi Speaker’s Race To Be Decided This AfternoonMississippi Speaker’s Race To Be Decided This Afternoon
Last Updated on Tuesday, 8 January 2008 11:45 Written by rslcpol Tuesday, 8 January 2008 11:43
JACKSON – The 2008 Mississippi Legislature convenes on Tuesday and one of the first orders of business will be the election of a new House speaker, a contest closely watched here in the Golden Triangle.Rep. Billy McCoy, D-Rienzi, who has served as speaker for the past four years, is challenged by Rep. Jeff Smith, D-Columbus, a conservative with strong Republican support. Both are claiming to have the votes to be elected.
The winner will preside over the 122-member chamber and exert influence over the fate of legislation for the next four years.
In the Senate, Lt. Gov.-elect Phil Bryant, who served as state auditor before winning election to Mississippi’s second highest post last year, is expected to name committee chairmen this week soon after taking office.