Hambrick elected state Assembly speaker

CARSON CITY — Las Vegas Assemblyman John Hambrick was named speaker for the 2015 legislative session on Monday, ending the uncertainty stemming from a leadership struggle between conservative and more moderate members of the GOP caucus.

Hambrick, R-Las Vegas, named speaker designate after the caucus’ first choice stepped down because of a controversy over his columns for a Sparks newspaper that touched on issues of race and gay rights, was elected without any fireworks.

His name was announced as a candidate for the job. Nominations were then closed and he then took the rostrum to run the Assembly over the next 119 days.

The vote came even as Republican Assemblyman Chris Edwards confirmed Saturday that Las Vegas police are investigating allegations of attempted extortion in exchange for his vote for Assembly speaker.

The leadership of the Assembly Republican Caucus has been in turmoil since the GOP took control of the chamber for the first time since 1985 in a huge party sweep in the Nov. 4 general election.

Hambrick is viewed as more of a moderate and has the support of at least 12 other members of his caucus. Another dozen members are more conservative, especially in the area of tax policy.