Not a candidate for Speaker

I had a few people ask me over the weekend why I'm not running for Speaker of the House. Lori and I visited about this last Summer and decided against it for several reasons:

1. I can't afford it. I think it's almost impossible now in the age of term limits to run a private practice of any kind that demands daily personal contact with your clientele (lawyer, doctor, journeyman, accountant, whatever) from one corner of the state while in the Speaker's chair at the Capitol. Technology makes it easier -- especially gotomypc.com -- but you still can't make court appearances through a computer;

2. I like carrying/debating the heavy stuff on the floor. While the Speaker will always direct these items and influence everything that goes on, it's not customary to play a large role in a lot of the everyday legislation on the floor from the perch; and most importantly,

3. It's not a good time with a 2-year old daughter. It's hard enough just being away from her and her mama during the session.

I'm flattered that people have urged me to run, but I have my hands full just being a legislator and majority leader.