The Speaker Vote

I've got a couple folks texting me updates from the Capitol so I'll add updates as they arrive.

Update 1: Watson nominated Blackmon for temporary speaker.
Update 2: Moak seconded with a speech.
Update 3: Bailey also seconded.

Update 4: Boundurant nominated Robert Johnson for temporary speaker.
Update 5: Shows seconded the nomination.
Update 6: So far the vote is breaking down by the previously speaker's race factions.

Update 7: Espy and Nowell for Johnson.
Update 8: Temporary speaker tie 61 to 61!
Update 9: They're going through the voice vote again.
Update 10: Tie again. Vote again.

Update 11: Blackmon wins. 62-60. Linda Coleman switched.

Update 12: Dickson nominating McCoy for Speaker of the House.
Update 13: Eaton and Flaggs seconded with speeches.
Update 14: Bondurant nominated Smith
Update 15: Woods and Bounds seconded for Smith

Update 16: McCoy is the Speaker of the House!!!
Update 17: 62-60

Nowell Clarifies Comments on Speaker’s Race

From a press release:

Following the publication of Remarks made by the new Representative Elect for House District 43, Russ Nowell, Russ seeks to clarify his opinion on the race for Speaker of the House. States Nowell “While I respect both Billy McCoy and Jeff Smith, and look forward to serving with both, after talking with members and incoming freshmen it is my understanding that Billy McCoy has more than the 62 votes needed to be elected Speaker. As I have said previously, it is in the best interest of my district to vote with the winning side.”

Russ Nowell for MS House District 43