John Bel Edwards Loses Round 1 with the State House

Behind the scenes deals have been rumbling for several days. Governor John Bel Edwards wanted fellow Democrat Walt Leger as House Speaker, but he didn't get his wish.

Members of the House broke ranks with Edwards and picked a Republican as Speaker. New Iberia Representative Taylor Barras wins the post with 56 of the 105 House votes.

Traditionally, Louisiana governors get the person they want in the Speaker's post, but not this time.  This move by the House sets the stage for some turbulent water ahead for Edwards as he tries to push his agenda with lawmakers.

Nola.com reports:

"The race for House speaker came down to an unusual voice vote. Normally, legislators avoid casting a public vote for speaker because they have already settled on a speaker weeks before the nomination process takes place.

The speaker's race originally featured four candidates -- Barras, Leger, New Orleans Democrat Neil Abramson and Metairie Republican Cameron Henry. In the first round of voting, Henry and Leger got the most votes. But Henry ended up dropping out of the race, thereby throwing his support behind Barras. "

Barras will now have to get to work making his choices for committee leaders. Usually this is all ready to go long before lawmakers are sworn into office.