COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- House Republican leaders are pushing plans to put more power in the hands of House Speaker Bobby Harrell.
It's an issue the freshman wrapping up their two-day orientation session Wednesday will have to deal with on Dec. 2 when they begin the House's organizational session.
Republican Majority Leader Jim Merrill said his proposal would make it easier to advance the GOP's agenda and clear the House floor of bills they don't want. But critics say it will concentrate too much power in one person's hands and stifle legislation while silencing critics.
State Rep. Nathan Ballentine of Irmo said too much power in leadership hands already kills important legislation like last year's failed attempt to regulate payday lending.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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