Republicans in Ohio House of Representatives vie for power after speaker votes split

Columbus, Ohio (WCMH) — Tensions are running high in the Ohio legislature as House Republicans continue to vie for power in Congress.

In early January, a group of Republicans broke away from the rest of the party and joined the Democrats. Elect Jason Stevens as Congressman (R-Kitts Hill) as Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives — defeated Rep. Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Township), who was originally set to claim the position.

Ohio State University professor Christopher McKnight Nichols, chairman of Wayne Woodrow-Hayes’ National Security Studies, said more moderate Ohioans might be comfortable with this kind of deal.

“If you like moderation and a bipartisan mindset, this is a commendable deal,” he said. “If you prefer a particular party and rule by majority vote, you should also pay attention to this, because that party lost.”

The Ohio Speaker determines House rules, decides on bills assigned to committees, and receives votes from the floor.

But when they voted on the Ohio House rules on Tuesday, a group of Republican members who support Merlin wanted to amend the rule package to allow members to exercise their Second Amendment rights. and require Christian prayers before the session. It was shut down.

“There are a lot of people right now who don’t feel like they have a say because the Democrats have elected the Speaker of the House,” Merrin said. “There is a traffic jam.”

Nichols said he believed a fracture-with-a-fracture was occurring. “People who want to get things done should move forward with meaningful legislation,” Nichols said.

Some Republicans are trying to decentralize power and keep it away from speakers.

“There are 99 members of Congress in this House, but one person controls all the bills and can decide whether to sit on a committee or vote,” said Rep. Josh Williams (Oregon Republican). ) said.

When the rules package was finally passed, it included clauses like “Cinderella Rules”.

“This rule means that amendments and replacement bills will be submitted on calendar days and will be incorporated into the calendar, so members of parliament will not sit on committees and vote on things they have not seen.” said Minority Rep. Rep. Alison Russo (D-Upper Arlington).

It also has the power to control $3 million in campaign funds from the Ohio House Republican Alliance Campaign Committee.

“This can make or break a career,” Nichols said. “For example, how can you become a speaker? You have to build your network and community, raise a lot of money, and deploy the money you raise for your allies.”

And although Stevens claims he is the leader of the Republican party (because of his role as chairman), the majority of Republicans therefore voted Rep. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) in the caucus vote. elected. Merrin said all Republicans were invited to the ballot, but those who did not vote for him did not attend.

Merrin also claims he is the leader of the Republican Party, because even if Stevens did end up as chairman, the majority of Republicans voted for him.

“This tells us something about the party itself,” Nichols said. Inside, there is a real battle going on over who holds the power and who holds the money. ”

“In the Ohio House of Representatives, if the Speaker is a Republican, he’s the leader of the Republican Party, and that’s where we stand,” Stevens said.

Stevens said legislation could move forward because committee quotas are also being implemented, but said Melrin supporters would continue to disagree.



https://www.wdtn.com/news/ohio/republicans-in-ohio-house-jockey-for-power-after-split-speakers-vote/ Republicans in Ohio House of Representatives vie for power after speaker votes split

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