JOYCE — Rep. Jim Buck says he is willing to take the reins of the Republican force in the state House of Representatives next year if he’s called to do so.
The leadership position is being left vacant because of the announced retirement Tuesday of former House Speaker Clyde Ballard.
“If the caucus wants to move in that direction, I would certainly consider serving,” Buck said Tuesday from his Joyce home. “But we have a few things we have to do first — like win a majority.”
Buck was reluctant to talk about himself Tuesday, and instead preferred to celebrate the retirement of a man he considers a mentor.
“His ability to bring things together and doing things for the state is pretty unique,” Buck said of Ballard. “He’s a gentleman that has managed to stay a gentleman in that (lawmaking) environment.”
Ballard, 65, a wealthy retired businessman who grew up in a migrant family from Arkansas, has represented the 12th District in the Wenatchee Valley since his election in 1982.
He announced his planned retirement Tuesday.
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