What We’re Reading: Idaho Legislative Leadership Changes

Idaho’s House of Representatives will start its 2013 legislative session under new leadership.  The Republican majority voted out incumbent Speaker Lawerence Denney (R-Midvale) last night.  Here’s more about what that means from the Spokesman Review.

Idaho House speaker Denney ousted — Three-term Idaho House Speaker Lawerence Denney, arguably the most powerful member of the Idaho Legislature, lost his leadership post tonight to rival Rep. Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, in a dramatic political upset.  The ouster, which happened during closed-door legislative caucus elections, marked the first time in three decades that a top Idaho legislative leader has been deposed by his own party.  Spokesman Review

Minority Dems elect legislative leaders in Idaho — Idaho’s minority Democrats in the House and Senate elected leaders for the 2013 session.  The House’s 13 Democratic members reaffirmed Rep. John Rusche of Lewiston as minority leader Wednesday. The Associated Press