Dillingham representative elected House Speaker

After almost a month of wrangling, the state House elected Rep. Bryce Edgmon as Speaker in a razor-thin 21-18 vote Thursday, with two Anchorage Republicans, Reps. Chuck Kopp and Jennifer Johnston, joining 16 Democrats, two other Republicans and one independent to elect Edgmon.

Although Edgmon is Speaker, many other details of the House organization are still being worked out. The new Majority's margin of control is still thin, also.

Eighteen Republicans voted no, preferring their own candidate for Speaker, Rep. Dave Tallerico, R-Healy. Rep. Gary Knopp, R-Kenai, was out of the House chamber and excused from the vote. Knopp defected from his fellow Republicans several weeks ago, arguing that a 21-19 majority in the House was too thin to be stable.

If Knopp signs on with the Democrat-led coalition the margin will be 22-18, which is still thin. Kopp and Johnston were key votes in the final tally.

Speaking to reporters, Edgmon said several Republicans who voted against him were still likely to join a coalition including Rep. Tammie Wilson, R-North Pole, and Rep. Steve Thompson, R-Fairbanks.

Thompson may wind up being Rules chairman in the House, along with Kopp as Majority Leader. Wilson is being considered for cochair of the House Finance committee, according to reports. Wilson is a veteran past member of the Finance committee. Rep. Neal Foster, D-Nome is already selected as the other Finance cochair.

A Committee on Committees is expected to meet Friday to select chairs, and members, of other committees.