Lujan wins by "acclamation"

The oft reviled Representative Ben Lujan has been selected as the Democratic Party's candidate for Speaker of the House.

He reports that he was selected by "acclamation"; (a noisy or enthusiastic expression of approval for someone or something; implying some degree of unanimity).

In the Journal this morning, reporter Sean Olson writes;

"Lujan said after the closed-door caucus Saturday that he, as well as (the very same) Democratic floor leaders, ultimately were chosen by acclamation. However, that was only after Lujan won a head-to-head vote against Cervantes."

"The vote counts were kept secret, even from caucus members."
(emphasis added)

What dynamics play in a room where people take a vote and then allow the results of the vote to be kept secret from those who voted?

The retribution and retaliation that follows challenging Speaker Lujan are widely documented, accepted and even taken for granted.

Is this the manner in which the people want their business done?




photo Mark Bralley