House Republicans have selected Matthew Lehman (R-Berne) as their new majority leader.
Lehman defeated Rep. Sean Eberhart (R-Shelbyville) in a Republican caucus after what Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) describes as a friendly discussion.
“In a very respectful discussion from both veteran legislators, both with their own unique talents and characteristics, it was good. It was healthy,” Bosma says.
Bosma describes Lehman as a "calm, measured" legislator who seeks solutions, and says he'll bring stability to the leadership team after what he and Lehman both describe as a "tough week."
Lehman replaces Jud McMillin (R-Brookville), who abruptly resigned his House seat amid reports of a sex tape on his phone.
Bosma says McMillin was right to resign, but says he didn't request it.
“His prompt and appropriate decision to immediately resign and bring the discussion to a close -- no one asked him to do that, he wasn’t forced to do it,” Bosma says. “In fact, I didn’t even get to talk with him in person before he announced it.”
Lehman becomes Republicans' third majority leader in 11 months. Bill Friend (R-Macy) had been Republicans' floor leader for 12 years, but moved to speaker pro tem last fall after Bosma stripped Eric Turner (R-Cicero) of that post amid conflict-of-interest allegations.
