Intro: More than a year before the actual elections, House Republicans meet Wednesday to select their choice for the next House speaker. Beth Ford has more from Jefferson City. RunTime: OutCue:SOC House Republicans will caucus behind closed doors to select their nominee for one of the most powerful positions in Missouri's legislature -- speaker of the House.There are two candidates running for the nomination -- St. Louis County's Allen Icet and Representative Ron Richard of Joplin. Poplar Bluff Republican Gayle Kingery said he's going to vote for Richard, but praised both men: Actuality: KINGERY.WAV Run Time: 00:13 Description: "Well both men are quality. We're blessed and fortunate to have such a good caucus with so much talent and leadership. So either way it comes out we're going to be okay, we're going to be fine, we're going to be winners." The House Republican selection is based on the assumption that Republicans can retain control of the House in the 2008 elections. The actual vote for House Speaker will not be taken until January of 2009. From the state capitol, I'm Beth Ford, 1120 KMOX News.
Beth Ford has more from Jefferson City.
