(WSB Radio State Capitol Bureau) -- The Republican caucus in the Georgia House votes later this morning on a new House Speaker to replace Glen Richardson.

He announced earlier this month he will resign on January 1st amidst allegations of a affair with a Atlanta Gas Light lobbyist.

In addition, the caucus will choose a new Speaker Pro Tem after Rep. Mark Burkhalter announced he will not seek to become House Speaker nor continue in his current position.

Among those running for House Speaker: Rep. David Ralston of Blue Ridge who challenged Richardson for the job last year; Rep. Larry O'Neal of Bonaire, Gov. Perdue's attorney and pick for the position; real estate agent Rep. Bill Hembree of Winston; and Democrat turned Republican Rep. Tommy Smith of Nicholls.

As for the recent events of the past few weeks, Perdue senior floor leader Rep. Jim Cole tells WSB's Sandra Parrish they've merely hit a speed bump.

"I'm really excited about the opportunity that is going to be afforded to us... because all this boils down to is that we are a family in the Georgia House of Representatives but also Georgia is our family, and we're here to represent them," he says.

The 11 a.m. vote will be held in the House chambers of the State Capitol and will be cast by secret ballot.