State Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, and state Rep. Allen Icet, R-Wildwood, both revealed that they will be contenders for the post if the Republicans maintain their majority in 2008.

“I believe that I have the ability of the two candidates to keep us on the issues that I think are important to the Republican Party,” Richard said. “I think I’m a pretty good fundraiser. And I’m just generally a good-natured fellow.”

Both men will only get one term as Speaker, a prospect that doesn't bother Richard. "Catherine [Hanaway] only had one," noted Richard.

Icet, who already possesses the powerful post as chairman of the Budget Committee, said the next speaker should be a consensus builder who can motivate the caucus.

"You get someone -- and I think Eisenhower said this -- to do what you want, because they want to do it," Icet said. "You listen to both sides... that's one of the things that I think a leader needs to be."

Ron Richard has already proven that he does not have the ability to listen to all sides and make fair judgements on issues.

Case in point:

Ron Richard opposed the Military Monument Protection Act that could have restored the Confederate Flags removed from Fort Davidson State Historic Site in Pilot Knob , Missouri and the Higginsville Confederate Cemetery, that were removed by Governor Bob Holden in 2004.

Case in point: Ron Richard used his position on the House Rules Committee to vote "do pass" on HCR-26. A bill introduced by St. Louis Representative (and radical muslim) Talibdin El-Amin, that would have required the State of Missouri to apologize for slavery.

Luckily the bill never made it to a vote, (no thanks to Richard).

What we do know about Ron Richard is that he is weak and will sell Missouri out to the radical left, politically-correct agenda without hesitation.

Not a man you want to have in the cat-bird seat called the House Speaker.

Clint, Missouri Bushwhacker