by Karl Kurtz
California Assembly Democrats have chosen Karen Bass, currently the majority leader, to be the next speaker of the Assembly. Making the eminently safe assumptions that she is re-elected to the Legislature in November and that the Democrats maintain control of the Assembly, she will be the first female African-American to serve as speaker of a state legislature--but not the first African-American presiding officer regardless of gender.
One of her 10 opponents for speaker among Democrats, Assemblymember Fiona Ma, said of Bass, "She demonstrates a grace under pressure and a quiet competence that will serve the Assembly well."
Bass' selection as the next speaker closes out the cycle of new leadership selection in California as a result of the defeat of an initiative earlier this month that would have extended the terms of current leaders.
Update, February 29: Today brings a more thorough AP story on the designation of Karen Bass as the next Assembly speaker.
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