(Casper, Wyo.) – According to published reports St. Rep. David Miller of Riverton lost his bid to become the Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives at a Republican party caucus in Casper. The Majority Floor Leader, Miller was in line to be the new speaker, but current speaker Steve Harshman of Casper sought re-election and was successful.
Traditionally, after a two-year term, the Speaker surrenders that office and the Majority Floor Leader moves up. Not so for this coming legislative session. This is the second time a Fremont County lawmaker up for the Speaker’s Chair has been denied the seat. The late St. Rep. Harry Tipton of Lander was dealt the same hand during his last term in the House.
Legislative Leaders chosen by their respective caucuses are:
Republican
Senate:
President: Drew Perkins, Casper
Vice President: Ogden Driuskill, Devils Tower
Majority Leader: Dan Dockstader, Afton
House
Speaker: Steve Harshman, Casper
Speaker Pro Tempore: Albert Sommers, Pinedale
Majority Floor Leader: Eric Barlow, Gillette
Majority Whip: Tyler Lindholm, Sundance
Democratic
Senate
Minority Leader: Chris Rothfuss, Laramie
Minority Whip: Lisa Anselmi-Dalton, Rock Springs
Minority Caucus Chairman: Mike Gierau, Jackson
House
Minority Floor Leader: Cathy Connoilly, Laramie
Minority Whip: Charles Pelkey, Laramie
Minority Caucus Chairman: John Freeman, Green River