Assembly Republicans pick Vos, Steineke as leaders again

By TODD RICHMOND - Associated Press - Monday, November 14, 2016

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Assembly Republicans basked in the glow of their massive election victories Monday, giving each other standing ovations and selecting the architects of their campaigns as their leaders again heading into the next legislative session.

Republicans went into Election Day with a 63-36 advantage in the Assembly. They came out of with a 64-35 edge, their largest majority since 1957. Republicans also maintained control of the Senate in the elections. Along with Gov. Scott Walker, the GOP has complete control of state government for the next two years.

Assembly Republicans held their first postelection meeting Monday afternoon to elect their leaders. Rep. John Murtha, the caucus chairman, banged the gavel and began the proceedings with “Welcome, all you good Republicans.” That triggered a standing ovation and cheers. Speaker Robin Vos elicited more cheers when he announced the Republicans had the biggest majority in the chamber in more than 50 years.

“The elections were no surprise to most of us,” Vos said. “We have a record we can all be proud of.”

Vos, a Rochester Republican who has served as speaker for the last two sessions, was the mastermind behind the Assembly Republicans campaigns. His performance in not only maintaining the majority but expanding it by a seat all but guaranteed him the position for another two-year session; Republicans elected him as speaker on a unanimous voice vote Monday.

Things were a little rockier for Vos’ second-in-command, Majority Leader Jim Steineke, who faced a challenge from Rep. Kevin Petersen of Waupaca. In the end Republicans voted by secret ballot to keep Steineke in place for another session. The tally wasn’t announced.

Steineke, a Kaukauna Republican, had been one of Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics, although he said after the election that Trump helped down-ticket Republicans win and he was excited about the billionaire becoming president. Petersen made no mention of Trump in a letter he circulated to Assembly Republicans last week soliciting votes, saying only that he believed he has a done a good job and he developed his leadership philosophy during a 25-year stint in the U.S. Navy.

The Republicans who nominated Petersen, Adam Jarchow and Jim Ott, didn’t mention Trump in their speeches either, focusing instead on his integrity and common sense. Petersen said during a brief face-to-face interview following the vote that Steineke’s remarks about Trump had nothing to do with his decision to challenge him, saying he believes everything should be challenged.

Vos, who also criticized Trump heavily during the primary season before finally supporting him, and Steineke both told the caucus they believe the Trump administration and House Speaker Paul Ryan will give more power to the states and legislators should be ready to make big decisions this session.