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Title: Letter from Rep. Rod Searle to Secretary of State Joan Growe regarding number of votes needed to elect a speaker
Article Date: 11/30/1978
Source:
Author: Rodney N. Searle
Type: Other
URL:
File: 19781130_Searle_SOSopinionRequest.pdf 

Text: Rodney N. Searle
Assistant Minority Leader
District 30B
Waseca-Freeborn-Steele Counties
Committees:
Appropriations
Minnesota
House of
Representatives
Division on Education
Division on Semi-State
Environment and Natural Resources
Labor-Management Relations
Rules and Legislative Administration
The Honorable Joan Growe
Secretary of State
State of Minnesota
Room 180, State Office Building
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
Dear Madam Secretary:
Mortin Olav Snbo, Sponker
November 30, 1978
Due to the unique and unparalleled situation presently facing the
Minnesota House of Representatives (ie, the 67-67 split in I-Rand DFL
members), I would like to solicit your official opinion on several
matters which will be of paramount importance when the House is
organized on January 3, 1979.
As you know, Minnesota Statutes, Section 3.05 provides that:
"At noon of the day appointed for the convening of the legislature,
the members thereof shall meet in their respective chambers. The
lieutenant governor shall call the senate to order; and the secretary
of state, the house of representatives. In the absence of either of
these officers, the oldest member present shall act in his place. "
Minnesota Statutes, Section 3.06 then goes on to read:
"Thereupon, a quorum being present, the respective houses shall elect
officers any of whom may be removed by resolution of the appointing body:
The Senate
The House, a speaker, who shall be a member thereof, a chief clerk
The specific questions to which I would like your response are:
1. Will you be present on January 3, 1979 to call the House of
Representatives to order?
2. As the presiding officer, how would you rule regarding the proper
number of votes necessary to elect a Speaker of the House? Do you
believe that a simple majority or plurality of those present and
Reply to: D 395 State Office Building. St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 (612) 296-4339
D Route 1, Box 44, Waseca, Minnesota 56093 (507) 835-4085
II
The Honorable Joan Growe
November 30, 1978
Page 2
voting would be sufficient? Or, do you feel that a Speaker candidate
must be elected by a majority of the whole House
(ie, 68) regardless of the numbers of members present and
voting?
3. In the event a Speaker-is not elected, would you continue to
preside until one is elected? Would you appoint another
individual or member to preside until a Speaker was chosen?
I would greatly appreciate your answers to these difficult questions
at your earliest convenience.
Thank you.
Very cordially,
--;p~~
Rod Searle
RS:jr

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