‘Madam speaker’ gets House applause

Rep. Margaret Henbest, D-Boise, is currently presiding over the House of Representatives, filling in for Speaker Lawerence Denney. When the first representative rose to present a bill, Rep. Cliff Bayer, R-Boise, and said, “Madam Speaker,” Henbest responded, “That sounds great, doesn’t it?” and the House broke out into a round of applause.

Henbest is a highly respected six-term representative who is not running for re-election. Giving her a chance to preside as speaker, said House GOP spokesman Chuck Malloy, is “basically a tribute to her.” Rep. Shirley Ringo, D-Moscow, when she introduced a bill, said, “Thank you, Madam Speaker,” and added, “It makes my day to see you up there.”