Chatting with Hugh Holliman
I was hoping last week to catch up with Rep. Hugh Holliman, a Lexington Democrat for my Sunday story on House Speaker Jim Black's troubles.
But Holliman was on the way to the beach and mobile phones being what they are, we never caught up before the weekend.
So we ended up talking Monday morning.
Holliman has been widely quoted as saying the House Democrats need to come up with a "contingency plan," in case Black isn't able to continue in his role as Speaker, or chooses not to.
"I think we as a caucus need to sit down and look at that possibility," Holliman said Monday. "If we do have to replace him, then how do we do that?"
Typically, he said, the caucus meets in advance of the short session to plot its legislative strategy, determine priorities, etc. . . The leadership question, he said, will not doubt be a focus of that meeting this year.
When asked about Pricey Harrison's suggestion that Black may need to at least temporarily step aside, Holliman said:
"That's one scenario, and I think maybe that's not a bad way to go."
But Holliman emphasized that he thought if, when and how the Speaker stepped down should be up to Black.
"I think whether he steps aside temporarily or not is his call. What I'm saying is that we, as a caucus, need to be ready."
He continued: "This cloud keeps hanging over our heads...It's hart to tell if an indictment is going to come or not. Certainly, we need some direction."
Holliman has also been mentioned as a possible replacement for Black. When asked if he wanted the job, Holliman said:
"Sure I would. And I think most people in the General Assembly would be honored to be Speaker. I know my name has been thrown around, but I haven't been running a campaign to be Speaker."
He continued: "I think there would be eight or 10 people who would be running if the job was open."
When asked what issues he was interested in pushing through the General Assembly during the short session, Holliman listed his tax credit for small businesses that provide health insurance to their employees.
That proposal was passed by the House and is tied to the pet bill of another Triad legislator: the proposal to raise the state's minimum wage by Rep. Alma Adams.
Will they remain tied together?
"I kind of hope so. I'm all for the minimum wage increase. I think the two fit together pretty well."