House Republicans to pick new speaker next week

DES MOINES - A new Iowa House speaker will be chosen next week.

House Republicans, who represent the majority party in the chamber, will meet Aug. 20 at the Capitol to select the next House speaker, the caucus confirmed Monday.

Rep. Kraig Paulsen, R-Hiawatha, announced last week he will step down as speaker before the 2016 legislative session and will not seek re-election in 2016.

Two House members have publicly stated their intention to succeed Paulsen.

Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, who for five years has served as House majority leader - the next-highest post in House leadership - said she plans to run for speaker.

Josh Byrnes, R-Osage, told the Mason City Globe Gazette on Monday that he, too, will run for speaker.

Paulsen and Upmeyer have served as the top two House leaders since Republicans gained control of the chamber in the 2010 elections.

'I've worked a long time as part of the leadership team in the House. And this is a fabulous caucus, one that I fought hard to help get elected and make sure we were in the majority,” Upmeyer said Monday. 'I just think it would be a great opportunity to continue working with them.”

Upmeyer said although 'every role is a little bit different,” she thinks serving as majority leader has helped prepare her for the speaker's chair.

Upmeyer's father, Del Stromer, served in the Iowa House for 23 years, including two as speaker in 1982 and 1983. If elected, Upmeyer would be the first woman to serve as House speaker.

Byrnes told the Globe Gazette he wants to strengthen bipartisanship in the House.

'We are drifting more and more toward D.C. politics,” Byrnes said.

Byrnes drew attention this year when he helped lead the successful effort to increase the state's gas tax by 10 cents per gallon to help fund road repair and construction needs.

Rep. Chris Hagenow, R-Windsor Heights, said he will support Upmeyer for speaker and plans to run for majority leader.