Costa in as Speaker

In a surprise vote early this afternoon’s House session, Doreen Costa (R-North Kingstown), formerly vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee, was elected to Speaker of the House, effectively head of the state Democratic Party.

“I like most of what goes on here already,” the tea party conservative said. “The tax cuts, the abortion restrictions, the way gun laws don’t go anywhere — so you’ll hardly notice the difference. I just thought it would be good to put a woman in charge.”

“Of course I’m grateful to the members of the House,” she began, “but I’m especially grateful to Nicky Mattiello, who helped me understand how to do it.”

“It really wasn’t that hard at all. I just said I had enough votes to be Speaker, and that seemed to do the trick. After that, a favor her, another there, you let them know I’ll be in charge and take care of them, and they fall right in line. I owe it all to Nicky.”