State GOP picks new leaders

Perricone, a second-term Republican from Kalamazoo Township, campaigned for the top spot for more than a year, working vigorously for GOP candidates in tight races throughout the state and contributing $4,500 to each.

Perricone represents a departure from the low-key speakers in recent memory. He's gained a reputation for being extremely partisan and confrontational.

"He's probably a little bolder" than former Speaker Paul Hillegonds, who led Republicans during the 1995-96 session, said Rep. Terry Geiger (R-Lake Odessa). Geiger jumped out of the speaker race several months ago.

"He will step out there and take a stance," Geiger said. "One thing I think he's learned in the last year is you have to collect a lot of opinions before you step out there."

Rep. Andrew Raczkowski (R-Farmington Hills) was selected as majority floor leader, the second-ranking House leader.

Perricone's ascension to speaker was all but assured after the GOP snatched control of the House from Democrats, who will hold their 58-52 majority until this session ends on Dec. 22.

After the election, Rep. Mark Jansen, a first-term lawmaker from Grand Rapids, decided to run against Perricone to offer a choice.

Jansen said getting into the race late meant he was the longshot, but he wanted to make sure Perricone's leadership wasn't second-guessed later. Some had also found Jansen an attractive candidate because he's less confrontational than Perricone.

Perricone said yesterday that he was pleased by the vote from his party. In the past term, he served as assistant minority leader.

"It is with great honor that I accept the position of speaker of the Michigan House," Perricone said in a statement. "Together, the Republican caucus will move Michigan forward into the 21st century.

Perricone said his first job was to meet with GOP Gov. John Engler today to discuss plans for the next session. He said House GOP members would go on a retreat Dec. 14 to shape their agenda.

"We are committed to tax cuts. We are committed to the governor's agenda," he said.

Republicans had lost control of the House to Democrats in the 1996 election. This year's win gives Republicans control of the Legislature and governor's office, smoothing the way for their agenda.

Term limits took effect for the first time this year and ushered in 64 new members. Perricone will lead the caucus of 58 - 17 incumbents and 41 first-time lawmakers - through the 1999-2000 session.

Raczkowski beat out two other contenders for the majority floor leader spot, who runs day-to-day action in the House.

Raczkowski got an early start and campaigned for the House majority much like Perricone did, handing out checks from his own political action committee funds.

And in the past few days, as freshmen Republicans came to Lansing for their orientations, Raczkowski had baskets filled with fruit, cheese and champagne sent to their hotel rooms.

He beat Rep. Mike Green of Mayville and Rep.-elect Mary Ann Middaugh (R-Paw Paw). She won husband Mick Middaugh's seat in last Tuesday's election, and has worked in the Republican floor leader's office for 16 years.

Other caucus leaders selected yesterday include Rep. Patricia Birkholz (R-Saugatuck) as speaker pro tempore; Rep.-elect Paul DeWeese (R-Williamston) as majority whip; Rep.-elect Bruce Patterson (R-Canton) as associate speaker pro tempore; Rep. Judith Scranton (R-Brighton) as associate speaker pro tempore; and Middaugh, as assistant majority floor leader.

Rep. William Byl (R-Grand Rapids) was chosen as assistant majority floor leader; Rep.-elect John Pappageorge (R-Troy) as majority caucus chairman and Rep.-elect Charles LaSata (R-St. Joseph) as majority caucus vice chairman.

11-11-98