Hibbing said next week’s debate over Planned Parenthood funding and a potential government shutdown likely factored in the speaker’s decision. “It had become clear to me that this prolonged leadership turmoil would do irreparable harm to the institution”.
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Rep. Peter King called Republican House Speaker John Boehner’s decision to resign under pressure from disgruntled conservative GOP members “a victory for the crazies”.
Together with Newt Gingrich, Boehner was one of several Republican lawmakers behind the 1994 “Contract with America” that helped Republicans take back the Congress for the first time in decades during the 1994 midterm elections. I am grateful for his leadership, his honesty, his servant’s heart, and his patriotic willingness to place the interests of the nation, the Congress and the House Republican Conference over his own.
King, considered a moderate, said the fight among House Republicans in the weeks ahead over who will succeed Boehner as speaker will be “a real battle for the soul of the party”.
In January, Gibson cast the lone vote for House majority leader Kevin McCarthy, who is now considered the presumptive frontrunner for speaker. “And I think maybe most importantly, he’s somebody who understands that in government, in governance, you don’t get 100 percent of what you want, but you have to work with people who you disagree with – sometimes strongly – in order to do the people’s business”. If all went right, President Barack Obama would’ve been forced to use his veto power in order for the organization to continue to receive federal funding.
Democratic member were weighing in on the news, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi tweeted she had deep disagreements with the speaker but respects his patriotism.
McCarthy did not immediately announce any plans to run for speaker but would be expected to. But he says he moved up his timetable as unrest among conservatives threatened the House.
In a statement, he says that’s why he is giving up the speakership, and his seat in Congress, at the end of October. Rep. Jeb Hensarling of Texas and Tea Party conservative Rep. Raul Labrador of Idaho are also other possible candidates who might campaign for the post.
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) envisioned a productive ending for Boehner’s last month as Speaker.
Eighth District Representative Reid Ribble of Sherwood indicated surprise at Boehner’s announcement on Friday.
“I thank him for his service to our country, and wish him the best in all of his future endeavors”.
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Messer said he’s heard the disappointment with Boehner from his constituents.
