Delegate Kirk Cox, the Republican caucus whip in the statehouse, has been accruing the cash and clout to step into the speaker's spot for some time now. A plausible competitor, majority leader Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, is making a run for Congress this November. A Griffith win will clear one more hurdle from the path for the gentleman from Chesterfield County.
25. Delegate M. Kirkland Cox
Republican Caucus Whip of Virginia House of Delegates