As reported earlier, state Reps. Terry England, R-Auburn, and Tommy Benton, R-Jefferson, are among about a dozen or so representatives openly backing Blue Ridge Republican David Ralston’s challenge of House Speaker Glenn Richardson.

I still haven’t had a chance to talk to Benton or England personally, but I spoke to state Rep. Bob Smith, R-Watkinsville, recently, and he said he’s sitting on the sidelines for the time being. Smith backed Speaker Pro Tem Mark Burkhalter, R-Alpharetta, for the top spot in 2004.

The official Democrat line is that they’ll let the GOP sort out the speaker situation in caucus meetings this fall. After all, when one party starts fighting in the sandbox, they make the other side look like grown-ups.