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Every couple of years legislators get together, behind closed doors, and vote on their leadership. It is a private meeting with a private vote.

And that should change.

When Republicans in the Iowa House get together to vote for their leadership — including who becomes Speaker of the House — this should be done in public, not in secret.

And how individual members vote on leadership should also be public.

Why? Here is a better question — why not.

Providing a public record of which representatives voted against current leadership provides some element of protection from repercussions.

For instance, if it turns out that all the committee chairs appointed by the Speaker happen to be individuals who voted for the Speaker to be in power, that should and would cause concern.

Or, if legislators who voted against a speaker see less money (or no money) from certain PACs or the House Majority Fund following this vote, it is clear that is a form of retaliation.

Besides that, leadership matters. Nationally, we know that Representatives Ashley Hinson and Mariannette Miller-Meeks voted in favor of Liz Cheney retaining her leadership role. But Rep. Randy Feenstra refuses to tell people how he voted (which pretty much tells you how he voted).

People should know. Especially if people aren’t satisfied with the current leadership. It should be an issue voters can use to help them determine just how much support a candidate should receive.

More knowledge is always better for voters when it comes to them making a decision at the ballot box.

Legislators should figure out a way to make these votes part of a public record. Unless there is a reason they want to hide behind the secrecy.

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