<P> More modern examples include Tip O'Neill, who was a vocal opponent of President Ronald Reagan's economic and defense policies; Newt Gingrich, who fought a bitter battle with President Bill Clinton for control of domestic policy; Nancy Pelosi, who argued with President George W. Bush over the Iraq War; and John Boehner, who clashed with President Barack Obama over budget issues and health care . </P> <P> As presiding officer of the House of Representatives, the Speaker holds a variety of powers over the House and is ceremonially the highest - ranking legislative official in the US government . The Speaker may delegate his powers to a member of the House to act as Speaker pro tempore and preside over the House in the Speaker's absence; when this has occurred the delegation has always been to a member of the same party . During important debates, the Speaker pro tempore is ordinarily a senior member of the majority party who may be chosen for his skill in presiding . At other times, more junior members may be assigned to preside to give them experience with the rules and procedures of the House . The Speaker may also designate, with approval of the House, a Speaker pro tempore for special purposes, such as designating a Representative whose district is near Washington, D.C. to sign enrolled bills during long recesses . </P> <P> Under the Rules of the House, the Speaker, "as soon as practicable after the election of the Speaker and whenever appropriate thereafter," must deliver to the Clerk of the House a confidential list of Members who are designated to act as Speaker in the case of a vacancy or physical inability of the Speaker to perform their duties . </P> <P> On the floor of the House, the presiding officer is always addressed as "Mister Speaker" or "Madam Speaker," even if it is a Speaker pro tempore, and not the Speaker themselves . When the House resolves itself into a Committee of the Whole, the Speaker designates a member to preside over the Committee as the Chairman, who is addressed as "Mister Chairman" or "Madam Chairwoman ." To speak, members must seek the presiding officer's recognition . The presiding officer also rules on all points of order but such rulings may be appealed to the whole House . The Speaker is responsible for maintaining decorum in the House and may order the Sergeant - at - Arms to enforce House rules . </P>

Who's running for speaker of the house