By Randal Edgar, Journal State House Bureau

PROVIDENCE -- Counting his backers at more than 50, Rep. Gordon D. Fox emerged from a from a private gathering at the Asia Palace on North Main Street Tuesday night with a plan to become perhaps the most powerful political figure in the state.

Among his supporters: House Speaker William J. Murphy, who hosted the gathering to announce his plans to step down as speaker on Thursday.

"I said eight years ago when I was appointed House speaker that eight years would be a good term," said Murphy, 47, when he emerged from the gathering to talk with reporters. "I'm in for eight years now."

Fox, 48, first elected in 1992, said he will call a Democratic caucus after the start of Thursday's House session, at which Democrats will choose new leaders -- a speaker, majority leader, majority whip, speaker pro tem, deputy whip and deputy majority leader.

Only the speaker's position needs approval from the full House, but with Democrats holding 69 of 75 seats, it's a forgone conclusion that the person chosen in the party caucus will be the next speaker.

Fox said he has 53 votes and needs a minimum of 38.

Murphy had planned to make his announcement on Wednesday but with a snowstorm forecast that day's session has been canceled.