We're Not Going To Abuse This

    

Republicans write rules
New GOP majority locks in power as Democratic unity noticeably erodes

Republicans began making the rules for the Georgia House of Representatives on Monday, leaving once dominant Democrats little recourse but to howl as they adjust to the new order of things.
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Republicans wasted little time consolidating their newly won power. The new House rules let Richardson appoint legislative "hawks" who can swoop in to any committee with the authority to vote the way the speaker wants them to.

The rules do not specify how many "hawks" Richardson can name, but he said there will probably be no more than two or three. Democrats immediately bristled, arguing the move guarantees Republicans can win any dispute in committee. "I hear them crying," Richardson told reporters later. "I promise we're not going to abuse this."

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The new House rules redefined battle lines in a chamber with a history of legislative brawls. Among the changes: Lawmakers who win re-election are no longer guaranteed they will retain their committee assignments, floor seats and office space.

Porter called the rule changes a throwback to the 1960s. "State government has returned to the days before Governor Lester Maddox, where silence is demanded and independence is abolished," he said.

Merle Black, an Emory University political scientist and co-author of a book on the rise of the Republican Party in the South, said it was not surprising that the GOP changed the rules.

"They have the power now, and they want to make sure they keep it," he said.

» Republicans write rules | ajc.com