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Inauguration 2016

The Inaugural ceremony for Governor John 'Bel' Edwards went smoothly on Monday, with Edwards and his wife, Donna, descending the Capitol steps to “Fanfare for the Common Man.”  

Edwards delivered what amounted to a “State of the State” address, being frank about the fiscal crisis, but also promising "to accept the federal funding to expand Medicaid so that working families in Louisiana can get access to health care.”

Prior to the big doings on the Capitol steps, the Senate elected its President and President Pro Tempor via secret ballot. Senator John Alario (R-Westwego) was unanimously re-elected as Senate President.  The results were just as decisive for Senate President Pro Tem.  Senator Gerald Long (R-Winnfield) received all thirty-nine votes to become President Pro Tem.

Meanwhile in the House, there was less consensus and more drama.

Four names were offered for House Speaker: Walt Leger (D-New Orleans), Cameron Henry (R-Metairie), Taylor Barras (R-New Iberia) and Neil Abramson (D-New Orleans). 

After the first voice vote, Leger received forty-nine votes, Henry received twenty-eight, Barras received twenty-six, and Abramson two. Which meant a runoff between Henry and Leger.  Until Representative Henry asked to speak.  "I'd like to remove my name from consideration,” he said.   

The runoff for Speaker of the House featured Representatives Leger and Barras.  And with a Republican majority in the house, Republican TaylorBarras of New Iberia was elected Speaker.

Two North Louisiana Republicans were nominated for Speaker Pro Tem, and then Republican Julie Stokes, clearly distraught, spoke up.  “He would have been an outstanding speaker. I hereby nominate Walt Leger for Speaker Pro Tem,” she said.  The two other nominees--both Republicans--withdrew, making Leger, once again, Speaker Pro Tem.