Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the House Leadership Election topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Julie McCluskey elected speaker after floor contest with Rose Puglisi; vote 41-22
Summary
On opening day Representative Julie McCluskey was elected Speaker of the Colorado House, receiving 41 votes to Rose Puglisi's 22 in a contested floor vote after nominations and brief speeches from both sides.
Representative Julie McCluskey was elected Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives on opening day of the 75th General Assembly, defeating Minority Leader Rose Puglisi in a contested vote.
The chamber heard nominations and brief speeches before the membership voted. Majority Leader Monica Duran nominated McCluskey, and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon seconded that nomination. Representative Bottoms nominated Minority Leader Rose Puglisi as an alternative candidate, and Assistant Minority Leader Winter seconded that nomination.
Both candidates received floor remarks from supporters. Puglisi’s backers emphasized her leadership, character and promises to protect what they described as members’ First Amendment rights; Puglisi said she was “humbled and honored” to accept the nomination. Supporters of McCluskey cited her prior leadership roles, including service on the Joint Budget Committee and as the outgoing speaker, and urged members to re-elect her to continue bipartisan working relationships.
The House used the electronic voting system. Representative Schiebel announced the machine results: McCluskey received 41 votes and Puglisi received 22 votes; there was one member excused and one vacant seat. The clerk declared Representative McCluskey elected Speaker of the House for the 75th General Assembly.
McCluskey addressed the chamber following her election, thanking members and pledging to lift up members’ voices as Speaker. The House recessed briefly after the election to continue organization work.
