When Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee speaks, everyone listens -- that was the message sent last year in one playful verbal volley.
During contentious floor debate, Republicans complained that their policy views routinely are ignored.
One Democrat, disputing the complaint, noted that a hush comes over the floor whenever Blakeslee talks.
For the next few days, as a joke, legislators would demand silence throughout the Assembly chambers -- loudly murmuring "shhh!" -- whenever Blakeslee grabbed a microphone.
The lighthearted wordplay was a symbol, perhaps, of the respect that the San Luis Obispo Republican has within both parties.
A lame-duck lawmaker termed out of the Assembly next year, Blakeslee is best known, perhaps, for pushing for a constitutional convention to alter state government.
Blakeslee has been the Assembly GOP floor manager and one of the top lieutenants of Mike Villines, R-Clovis, who will step aside June 1.
Shortly after his selection to the top job Thursday, Blakeslee pledged not to raise taxes to bridge the state's budget gap.
Married with three children, Blakeslee, 53, has a doctoral degree from UC Santa Barbara for his research in seismic scattering, micro-earthquake studies and fault-zone attenuation, according to his Web site.
His resume includes stints as a research scientist and strategic planner for Exxon. He continues to serve as president of Blakelee & Blakeslee, an investment firm founded in 1971, his Web site says.
Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other state officeholders applauded Blakeslee's selection as GOP leader in written statements.
"As a fiscal hawk who works tirelessly to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately, Assemblymember Blakeslee will be a great partner in this leadership role," Schwarzenegger said.
"I have great respect and affection for Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee, and I know he will be a strong leader for his members," said Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles.
"I do hope as California continues to weather this tough national recession, we can all remember that there is more at stake than hyper-partisanship and politics -- real people need our help and that's what we should be focused on," Bass added.
Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, said he looks forward to working with Blakeslee "not only on the fiscal challenges before us, but also on important issues like water, renewable energy and education."
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