...... II I IsCI Ii Whips rely on communication as session moves forward

By ERIN SCHMIDTKE (R-Silver Lake), an assistantwhip, said, "With he title of "whip" originally referred 72 [Republican] members, approximately 30 ofthem beingfreshmen, it takes us awhile to the man who kept the hounds to get aroundand be acquainted. It's allowed "whipped in" during a hunt. Nearly me that personal contact." Being a whip means helping other whips, 100 years since the term became apart of too. The need for mobility and rapid American politics, its meaning has evolved. communication is critical on the House floor. Whips are often seated near the group Today, the role is more associated with job is to listen and let our leader knowwhat ofmembers they've been assigned to monitor, collaboration than discipline. Rep. Larry the caucus is thinkingand feeling," she said. or on aisles so the majority or minority Hosch (DFL-St.]oseph) is a minoritywhip. Within the caucuses, whips mayor may leader is readily accessible. That's important, He said, "I thinkifyou doyourjob right, you not be elected. The Republican caucus has especially for Hamilton. get to a point where you don't have to twist one majority whip and six assistant whips. He highlighted his relationship with arms, but you're able to come to a consensus Only the majoritywhip, Rep. Rep. Tim Sanders (R-Blaine), who is an as a caucus with good communication." (R-Mountain Lake), was elected. The six assistant whip. When moving quickly Whips have several different assistantwhips volunteeredfor theirpositions. is required on the House floor, Sanders responsibilities within the House. When In the DFL caucus, the four minority whips frequently helps Hamilton, who has been a vote is approaching, especially on a were appointed by the minority leader. Their diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. controversial bill, whips gauge support and party does not have any assistant whips. This position has a number ofchallenges. relay that information to the leader. Whips Whips work with each other to ensure The logistics the whips must manage can are also responsible for counting members' that knowledge is shared across a party. occasionally become a problem. Hosch and votes on a bill. Hamilton has incorporated that into his Shimanski both cited countingvotes before Oftentimes, the role requires strategizing philosophy. "Ifyou go in with the mentality an official floor session as a frustrating part with other leadership within the caucus. about communication andpreparation, that of the job, especially when members are That's something Rep. makes the job easy," he said. away from the Capitolanddifficult to reach. (DFL-Brooklyn Park) appreciates. Whips frequently need to speak with However, it's a smallprice for a position they "I like having the opportunity to sit down other members about issues. Because this enjoy. in a smaller group and let [the minority biennium has brought many new members "One ofthe things 1don't like is a day-to­ leader] know my thoughts on things. And to the House, being in a position of whip day office job that has predictability and a the role of a whip is like the role of a state makes it easier to become acquainted with boring atmosphere," Hosch said. "This job rep., with the caucus being our district. The freshmen legislators. Rep. Ron Shimanski definitely doesn't have that." e.L

Republican whips Democratic whips

Majority Whip Deputy Minority Leader Rod Hamilton Debra Hilstrom

Assistant Majority Leaders Minority Whips

Kurt Daudt Joe Hoppe Melissa Hortman Larry Hosch

Tim Kelly Jenifer Loon Terry Morrow

February 24,2012 Session Weekly 19