Incoming Ga. House Speaker Mark Burkhalter (R-Johns Creek) has decided to wait until the end of the 2010 General Assembly session before calling a formal vote for House Speaker, sources say. The Georgia Constitution allows for 120 days to pass prior to a vote. Burkhalter assumes the position of House Speaker on January 1, which gives him until the end of April, or near the conclusion of the 2010 General Assembly prior to calling for a House election. Burkhalter was elected House Speaker Pro-Tem by voice acclamation twice without opposition from either party.

"This will bring stability and continuity to the General Assembly at a time when we need it most so that our legislature can focus on our priorities," said Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta). "These include balancing the state budget while adequately funding public safety, our judicial system and education."

Burkhalter, who was in the running for an annual $450,000 salaried job as Executive Director of the Georgia World Congress Center, withdrew his name from consideration last night. "This further demonstrates Mark's dedication to this state, his Party, and his colleagues," commented one area legislator.

WHO WILL BE SPEAKER PRO-TEM?

The Georgia Constitution calls for the position of House Speaker Pro-Tem to filled on January 1. No names have surfaced yet, but the chances of House Majority Whip Jan Jones (R-Milton) ascending to the position are remote, according to legislators close to the situation. "Both Jones and Martin are capable," said one veteran legislator, "but the fact that they both have neighboring districts to Mark's makes them geographically untenable choices."

Jones is expected to remain as Majority Whip.

Martin says he expects the vote for the vacant spot to be called for on the opening day of the session in January.

One out of the box choice, which would be vintage Burkhlater, could be the nomination of a conservative Democrat to the Speaker Pro-Tem position. One such candidate could be Rep. Kevin Levitas (D-Tucker). Burkhalter is well known for the solid relationships he has built across the aisle, and a choice like Levitas could provide him with the necessary leverage he needs to get Democrat votes for his key legislation in what promises to be a contentious session.

When contacted, Levitas doubted that scenario would play out. "More than likely the Speaker Pro-Tem will come from the GOP leadership caucus, but I do believe Mark may consider reaching across the aisle for a Committee Chairmanship or two. That precedent has been set in the Senate," Levitas said. "Mark has always reached out accross the aisle. He's a coalition builder."

Levitas predicted that Burkhalter's leadership acumen, reputation and style will set him apart. "Mark has the potential to be a historic Speaker," Levitas said. "His love for the institution of the House, his work ethic and his calming, common sense approach is going to be very refreshing. He legitimately values all opinions." The centrist Democrat said that even though he represents the minority party, "Speaker Richardson found out the hard way he could'nt get a Constitutional Amendment passed without us."

The Tucker Democrat, serving his second term in the House, maintained that Burkhalter will focus on positive solutions for Georgia's citizens, while not worrying about who gets the credit.

"Georgians want results to our problems. They have tired of the infighting, rancor and contentious nature of the General Assembly, which reached a crescendo last year and is widely viewed as an obstacle to progress," Levitas maintained. "Burkhalter will change all that. He's not a headline grabber. He's all about results, solutions and action."

Levitas didn't mince words in his assesment of the 2010 session. "This will be one of the most critical legislatures in Georgia history," asserted Levitas. We have daunting problems that need solid, bi-partisan solutions." Levitas outlined the big four as: balancing the state budget, transporation, water, and job creation.

MILTON COUNTY?

There is no doubt Burkhalter's elevation to House Speaker improves the chances of passing the constitutional amendment to create Milton County this year. The amendment needs a two-thirds majority in both chambers, and Burkhalter's increased authority will make a difference, as he will have more latitude to make the horse trades he needs to get the few remaining votes to put it over the top with a two-thirds majority.

"The re-creation of Milton County is good for North Fulton and good for Georgia," Martin said.