Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, January 20, 1995                   TAG: 9501200097
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DWAYNE YANCEY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

REP. GOODLATTE PLAYS SPEAKER-FOR-A-DAY

Instead, Robert's Rules of Order prevailed.

As in, Robert ``Bob'' Goodlatte.

For about four hours, the second-term Roanoke Republican presided over the House, wielding the gavel and recognizing members for brief speeches on such pressing topics as the new fisheries agreement with Estonia and recognizing Albion College as the Division III college football champion.

Of course, there also were more serious matters, such as debating the merits of one version of the proposed balanced-budget amendment over another.

Why Goodlatte?

Presiding over the House when the speaker is absent is an honor sought by legislators. It's rare that the privilege falls to such a junior member.

But Goodlatte made a point of attending the House's classes on parliamentary procedure in December, said top aide Tim Phillips.

Why?

``He's Bob,'' Phillips laughed, remarking on his boss's penchant for detail. ``He's always going to be prepared.''

Goodlatte's stint in the speaker's chair also shows how well-connected he is to the new House leadership. When Goodlatte asked Gingrich for a chance to preside, the 6th District representative figured he would have to wait weeks or months behind more senior Republicans. Instead, Gingrich sent word Tuesday that Thursday would be Goodlatte's turn at the gavel.