Idaho Legislature
“Madame President” Runs Idaho Senate
A series of 'guest star' Presidents, culminating in a woman, runs the Idaho Senate in its waning days of the session.By Sharon Fisher, 4-30-09
In what might be a first, Senator Melinda Smyser, R-Parma, took the lead of the Idaho Senate today.
“Madame President,” said Senator Kate Kelly, D-Boise, as though asking permission to address the body. “I just wanted to be able to say that.” “Thank you,” Smyser replied. “I appreciate your getting it right the first time.”
Idaho’s House of Representatives did a similar action last year, putting Representative Margaret Henbest, D-Boise, in the Speaker’s chair on one of the last days to honor her as she was retiring.
Several other Senators took the President’s podium today—the person presiding over the Senate is always called the President—including Senator Dean Cameron, R-Rupert.
Some Senators had trouble getting used to “Madame President,” with some correcting themselves after saying “Mr. President” and some not. Right after Kelly’s comment, Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, pointedly said, “Mr. President,” which led Smyser to refer to him as “Senator Stegner.”
Smyser stumbled some, particularly on the commonly used phrase “unanimous consent request,” but seemed to relish her historic role. Senator John McGee, R-Caldwell, also teased her by raising a question on proper Parliamentary procedure.
The Senate adjourned just after noon and did not address the issue of the House’s sine die motion last night.
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