Tension in the New State House Majority?

8 Comments

by: Colorado Pols

We’re getting reports from credible sources at the state capitol of a budding conflict between incoming Speaker of the House Frank McNulty and his new Majority Leader, Rep. Amy Stephens. What we’re hearing is that McNulty is displeased with Stephens’ handling of the close House races decided in the weeks after the election. Stephens was reported as ‘rolling her eyes’ in the Denver paper in response to questions about these races, and overly dismissive at a time when Republicans would have scored more points with patience and magnaminity.

More generally, McNulty is reportedly upset with what he sees as a lack of savvy and political aptitude on the part of Stephens, and is concerned that she could at some point embarrass the caucus as a whole. Rather than making a public spat of it, look for this problem to resolve itself via a lot less press time for Rep. Stephens than her “leadership” position would normally call for. That said, we can still see Stephens steaming over this for a long time to come–she has been considered a “rising star” in the GOP for a few years now, and may not take well to being muzzled.

8 thoughts on “Tension in the New State House Majority?”

20th Maine says:

December 18, 2010 at 3:15 am

Log in to Reply
1. bullshit! says:
  
  December 18, 2010 at 5:00 am
  
  The new Speakinator’s unimpressedness with his FOTFer second-in-command is not really a secret.
  
  Log in to Reply
  1. coloradowahine says:
    
    December 18, 2010 at 5:08 am
    
    But it’s news to me (almost anything R is news to me), and I like the way it sounds. A little disappointed they’re behaving like adults about it. A nasty public fight is fun to watch (when it’s not your party).
    
    Log in to Reply
    1. bullshit! says:
      
      December 18, 2010 at 5:16 am
      
      The Guvs are correct that she may not accept McNulty’s “shh!” willingly.
      
      Log in to Reply
  2. 20th Maine says:
    
    December 18, 2010 at 8:57 pm
    
    But hey, what a great bullshit! story to put up. If they ever have a disagreement that becomes public, minor or otherwise, pols is right! If they don’t, then they were simply conniving enough to keep it behind the mahogany doors. Pols is right!
    
    You guys are getting good at this…
    
    Log in to Reply
gaf says:

December 18, 2010 at 5:37 am

being portrayed as “politically dumb” and guilty of “needless provocations.” (See “close House races” link above.)

I guess he is deflecting attention. Look over there! But, yes, an unhappy Amy Stephens will be a pain for McNulty. May the fun begin!

Log in to Reply
1. dukeco1 says:
  
  December 19, 2010 at 7:21 pm
  
  at Mickey Ds’, “I’m lovin’ it!”
  
  Log in to Reply
H-Dog says:

December 20, 2010 at 9:07 pm

Always in love with Amy, as the old song goes. Stephens is smart, tough, and knows how to play the game as well as anyone. Don’t misunderestimate her!!!

Log in to Reply