Novel Choice for House Speaker: Dole
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WASHINGTON — Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) is offering House members of both parties a novel suggestion: Elect Bob Dole as speaker.
Although the House has never chosen a speaker who was not already a member of the House, nothing in the Constitution bars lawmakers from selecting an outsider.
Stupak said his suggestion was prompted by the realization that, even with Speaker Newt Gingrich facing ethics charges, a Democrat cannot be elected in the House. Republicans will hold a 227-208 majority when lawmakers reconvene Tuesday.
Dole, the defeated GOP presidential candidate and former Republican leader in the Senate, “is a proven leader with the skills and respect necessary to bring both parties together to advance the common goals of the American people,” Stupak said.
But Dole spokesman Clarkson Hine said, “Sen. Dole has not spoken with Congressman Stupak and his future plans do not include further service in the House.”
Dole served in the House from 1961 through 1968.
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