Steven Smith for Speaker

I’m not a patient person. I’m not reckless, but I’m not patient. I often get frustrated with the time it takes to resolve things. One area is responding to negative items in the press. It is often a political calculation on whether to respond or not. The timing matters too. If you wait a week, it just doesn’t matter anymore. I will do things differently.

Member issues

They will be dealt with quickly, the same day when possible. If someone is removed from a position or a committee, it will happen fast and you will know why. If it’s considered a problem to publish the reason, I’ll come to caucus and explain it. In any event, you won’t be left in the dark. This isn’t just courtesy. It’s consistency and unity. I don’t want there to be a situation where someone commits an infraction because they didn’t know it was a problem. The caucus has to be informed and included.

Press Issues

This is different. When we are hit in the press, I’m not waiting for “the story to die”. I want same day return fire. I consider it my job to defend House Republicans. I will take this seriously and tenaciously. I’ll also employ measures to get ahead of problems. I’ll hold weekly press availability sessions. They can come and ask questions. Being more accessible can short circuit some problems all by itself. I don’t mind being in the hot seat.

I’ve got your back. It is the Speaker’s job to sell what you’re cooking to the public, in non partisan terms. I will do my best to serve and represent you.

Steve