I would love to do this as a put-up-or-shut-up deal to alleged moderate to conservative Dems. Here's a scenario I dreamed up, and I was wondering if anyone could tell me if it's plausible or feasible:
Republicans make a deal with conservative Dems whereby they throw their support behind one of the conservative Dems to become speaker. In exchange, Republicans and conservative Dems share committee chairs and essentially govern as one party until the next election.
I'm telling you, you are going to now see President Bush in his true element, he is going to do everything he can to create that wedge.
I don't think the speakership governs majority/minority status. I could be wrong. I think majority/minority is already set by the caucus, unless democrats actually vote with the CAUCUS of the other party on the organizational rules, and I can't imagine the democrats would ORGANIZE with the republicans.
It's a pipe dream, but there's no reason why Pelosi should automatically get to be speaker -- Livingston was next in line for speaker, and he was knocked off by a minor personal scandal.