McNulty Confirmed As Speaker

“It’s a wonderful day in the neighborhood,” declared veteran GOP Rep. Glenn Vaad, of Mead, today at the Capitol as House Republicans elected new leadership on the heels of wresting control of their chamber on election night. It will be the first time in six years that Republicans have led the House of Representatives.

The House gavel, when the legislative session resumes in January, will be handed over to Republican Rep. Frank McNulty, of Highlands Ranch, by outgoing Democratic Speaker Terrence Carroll, of Denver. McNulty, who will preside over the chamber as its next speaker, was cheered by collegues who had helped him orchestrate the Republicans’ successful bid to regain a majority–albeit by only one vote.

“It is indeed a beautiful day in the neighborhood,” said McNulty. “We fought hard to get here, and we look forward to governing.”

However, McNulty acknowledges that the road ahead will not be easy.

“Our excitement is tempered by the fact that too many Coloradans still are out of work,” said McNuty. “We know we have a challenge in front of us, and a state budget challenge, and that is what our job is going to be.”

Also likely tempering the GOP’s enthusiasm over its victory in the House is the fact that the Senate will remain in Democratic hands as will the Governor’s Office in the wake of Tuesday’s mixed election results.    – More -