[Political Junkie Too]

That is not true. How does a political junkie get simple stuff like this wrong?

From CNN, November 7 2012: GOP retains grip on House

The House will return next week for a lame-duck session until new members take office in January, facing major unfinished business, including how to avoid the fiscal cliff.

House Republicans will hold leadership elections next Wednesday, with Boehner and other top leaders expected to stay in their posts. House Democrats have postponed their leadership elections until after Thanksgiving.

From MSNBC, November 14, 2012: Nancy Pelosi to keep gig as House minority leader

Elections for leadership position within the Democratic Caucus are scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 29.

These are a few examples from the news.

-PJ

[Dave W]

PJ - Trust me - that does not back up your belief.

Of course, the elections are held before the new House and Senate convenes in January, but no where in your proof does it say who votes for the leadership positions. The freshman class gathers in Washington for orientation, etc. The future members of both Houses are in Washington and the new House and Senate gathers for leadership votes.

They don't have to be sworn in to vote since these are party contests not mandated by the Constitution.

Then after they are sworn in, all House members vote for the Speaker.

Rest assured, the new House and Senate members have a vote; the departing members do not.