Integrity parts candidates for House Speaker

Ordinarily, Republicans in charge of the Ohio House would have met shortly after the November election to reach consensus on a speaker for the new legislative session. As it is, just days before Christmas, they have yet to gather.

The caucus has a familiar problem.

Neither Ryan Smith nor Larry Householder commands the 50 Republican votes needed to ensure election in early January.

This is where Republicans stood last spring — until they conducted the necessary 11 ballots, at that point, Smith needing just a plurality rather than a majority of those lawmakers voting.

The Bidwell Republican still holds that plurality.

More, the past six months, he has performed well as speaker.

Thus, this should be an easy choice, Republicans avoiding a repeat of the earlier clash between Smith and Householder allies . ...

Of late, news accounts have noted some labor unions pressing House Democrats to provide Householder with the majority he needs to become speaker.

Union leaders see Householder steering clear of rightto-work legislation. Perhaps he would — until expedience bites.

What folly for Democrats to fall for Householder’s charms. They may disagree with Ryan Smith on a range of matters, though he has shown an understanding of how poverty harms education.

What distinguishes him most in this race for speaker is his integrity.

Read the full editorial from the Akron Beacon journal at bit.ly/2Lkg9NY