Challenge of a New Speaker

The selection of a new Speaker of the House of Representatives is not a common event. While the nation has had nine Presidents since the outbreak of World War II, there have been only five Speakers. Next to the presidency, the speakership is the most prestigious and powerful office in the land. So, what of this Texas fellow who will assume the office on Jan. 6?

Jim Wright is not Tip O’Neill. That became apparent this week just moments after Democrats unanimously chose the Fort Worth congressman to succeed O’Neill as Speaker. James C. Wright Jr., who acknowledges his quick temper and occasional impulsiveness, immediately proposed that Congress delay some of the new tax cuts for the wealthy to help reduce the federal deficit.

That may not be the best way to raise new revenue, but at least Wright was not hesitant to exert his new leadership role. Up to now, Democrats wanted to insulate themselves from political fallout by refusing to support a tax increase unless President Reagan did first. Reagan will not, and Wright jumped into the deficit breach, demonstrating that he will be less the collegial Speaker that O’Neill has been and is willing to take some political risks.

It is natural to expect a more assertive Democratic Party in Congress, since Democrats will control both the House and the Senate in the forthcoming 100th session. But increased confrontation with the Administration is likely as well, because of Wright’s more combative style.

The challenge to the White House is welcome if it produces results and not just political rhetoric. The past four years have resulted generally in stalemate with the Administration, particularly on the budget and the deficit.

As a representative of his 12th Congressional District since 1955, Wright bears the image of a wheeler-dealer in behalf of two industries important to the region, petroleum and defense--specifically warplane production. It was encouraging to those who have some concerns about those ties to hear Wright propose his delay on tax cuts for the wealthy and to stretch out the purchase of some weapon systems.

How will the White House react to this new Democratic challenge? With its foreign policy in a shambles, will the Administration dig in its heels even deeper on domestic issues and invite more stalemate? Or will it see the potential benefit of compromise? Much may depend on the personal chemistry between Wright and the President. Wright’s Texas flamboyance and Reagan’s Irish temper could be a volatile mix. Tip O’Neill was smooth in a rough-hewn way. Some consider Wright to be too slick. There is no doubt, though, that whenever Reagan and Wright are in the same room at the same time there will be two strong wills at work.