State Sen. Dan Claitor, R-Baton Rouge, and Rep. Jim Fannin, D-Jonesboro, are vying for the top positions in their respective chambers in the new Legislature. The (Monroe) News Star says that Fannin has pulled support for his bid for House Speaker from across the aisle. Fannin spent the past four years as chairman of the powerful appropriations committee. “He’s the most respected man in either chamber,” says Rep. Billy Chandler, R-Dry Prong. “He has integrity and proven leadership.” Several other candidates have announced plans to run for the House Speaker post, which is being vacated by Rep. Jim Tucker, R-Terrytown, who is term-limited. Reps. Hunter Greene and Erich Ponti, both Baton Rouge Republicans, are said to be running, along with Reps. Jeff Arnold, D-New Orleans; Chuck Kleckley, R-Lake Charles; and Joel Robideaux, no party, Lafayette. On the Senate side, Claitor is the latest legislator who wants to replace Senate President Joel Chaisson, D-Destrehan, who is also term-limited. Others interested in the post are Sens. Mike Walsworth, R-West Monroe; John Alario, R-Westwego; Danny Martiny, R-Metairie, and Ben Nevers, D-Bogalusa.
Claitor, Fannin in running for leadership posts
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