Wyoming Lawmaker Protests House Reorganization

A Wyoming state lawmaker says he wants to see House Republicans return to the tradition of allowing members to advance through the ranks to become House speaker once they've attained a leadership position.

The Casper Star Tribune reports (www.trib.com ) that Rep. Keith Gingery, a Jackson Republican, criticized the process after last weekend's Republican House Caucus.

Rep. Kermit Brown of Laramie was appointed majority floor leader at the caucus ahead of Gingery, the former speaker pro tempore. Both are attorneys with eight years' experience in the House.

Rep. Matt Teeters, a Lingle Republican, also was ousted from House leadership. Teeters was replaced as majority whip by Rep. Tim Stubson of Casper. Teeters was reappointed chairman of the House Education Committee.