I didn't know it was possible to elect a House Speaker who's not serving in the House

[unblock]

5. I can see it being better if the speaker is seen as not representing a particular district

There's obviously plenty of room for a vonfothat ct if interest in the role of speaker vs. the role of representing one particular district, and I'm sure every single speaker we've had has taken advantage of their dual role.

I can see a former president or cabinet member in being an "outside" speaker.

Of course, I can also see it as being a largely ceremonial role, much as the vpotus being president of the senate is most if the time. Of course, vpotus actually has tie-breaker power, which is more than an outside speaker would have....