Howell said he had a strong work ethic as chair of the Courts of Justice committee and that he would bring that drive to the position of speaker.
The House Republican leadership position opened after former Speaker S. Vance Wilkins Jr. resigned amid allegations he made improper sexual advances against a woman.
On July 16th, Wilkins wrote members of his district to inform them that he would also resign as a member of the House of Delegates effective August 15.
The speaker is seen as second only to the governor in terms of political power in the Commonwealth.
Former Gov. Gerald L. Baliles, who graduated from the University's law school with Howell, told the Virginian-Pilot that Howell "is firm in his beliefs, but he is gifted in understanding other people's points of view."
Howell graduated from the University's law school in 1967.
Monticello may lose place on back of U.S. nickel
Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson, may lose its place of prominence on the U.S. nickel. The house has been on the back of the nickel since 1938.
The U.S. Mint is discussing using the back of the nickel to commemorate the Lewis and Clark expedition bicentennial.
One possible replacement image would be a Plains Indian and a bald eagle looking westward.
In June, Rep. Eric I. Cantor, R-Va., introduced a "Keep Monticello on the Nickel" act. All remaining House Virginians signed on as co-sponsors of the bill.
However, in July, Cantor introduced a new proposal that would allow Monticello to be removed from the back of the nickel for only two years. During the two year hiatus, the back of the nickel would honor the Lewis and Clark bicentennial.
Rep. Virgil H. Goode Jr., I-Va., whose district includes Monticello, was one of three House Virginians who did not co-sponsor the new bill.
Goode told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that he preferred the original bill but would not vote against Goode's new bill.
Congress must approve every coin the U.S. Mint manufacturers.
The Lewis and Clark expedition's bicentennial will be honored through a series of national events in 2003 to 2006. The kickoff for the series of the events will be held in Monticello, Va.
- Compiled by Michael Loatman
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