In an odd turn of events, Ed Clere is removed as House Public Health chairman.

In Indiana, wagon-circling is an Olympic event.

Rep. Clere removed as chairman of state health committee, by Elizabeth Beilman (N and T)

INDIANAPOLIS — State Rep. Ed Clere, R-New Albany, has been removed as chairman of the Indiana House of Representatives Public Health Committee.

While Clere claims it was his controversial stances on issues that caused his removal, House Speaker Brian Bosma said he made an administrative change because of Clere’s behavior.

Clere said Bosma called him last Monday to warn him of his removal, referencing an earlier conservation the two had in September.

“He told me that he and other members of the house Republican caucus were upset with me about a number of controversial issues and my stance on those issues,” he said, specifically referring to issues including needle exchanges and statewide Medicaid expansion.

But Bosma said his decision “had nothing to do with his position on issues and everything to do with how he has treated other people and his role as chairman” ...

Brian Howey: "Bosma and the second sentence."

It's now 1:30 p.m. What happens next?

Brian Howey: Bosma and the second sentence

... Why wouldn't attorney Bosma - acknowledging the amendment is flawed with the second sentence - insist on its removal? If this is important enough to enshrine in the state's constitution, shouldn't it be done correctly?

The problem is, Gov. Mike Pence - while being a long-time advocate of the amendment - doesn't want to run for reelection in 2016 with HJR-3 on the ballot. And he should know how hot button social politics can impact a campaign. He became the first governor in 50 years to win office with less than 50 percent of the vote in 2012, and it happened because another candidate on the ticket made outrageous remarks about abortion and rape, and it sent female voters fleeing the Republican ticket in droves.

As for maintaining a House majority, Bosma and the Republicans have 69 seats and HJR-3 might endanger a handful of them in college towns, urban and some suburban areas ...