A reporter likewise shouted out a question about the letter to McCarthy, standing next to his wife at a news conference. He said Jordan was “swamped” with meetings “with colleagues” and would comment further on Friday.
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Wing also said she’s heard Georgia’s own Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-Coweta County, mentioned as Boehner’s possible successor. The site reported that outgoing Speaker John Boehner had told Mr McCarthy months ago to end the fling. “Now I will be praying for those who find it acceptable to bear false witness”, she said.
For what it’s worth, Ryan’s rhetoric shifted slightly late last night, and though different reporters are hearing different things, the Washington Post, citing “top GOP sources”, said this morning that Ryan “is seriously considering a bid for House speaker”.
“While I am grateful for the encouragement I’ve received, I will not be a candidate”, Ryan said in a statement.
“I think it’d be better to have a caretaker so we can stay unified in our basic principles rather than focus around a personality.” .
The GOP-run Congress is hurtling toward showdowns with President Barack Obama over spending and borrowing. Missing the first could result in a default on federal debt, and missing the second could lead to a government shutdown. Instead, party leaders generally adhere to the so-called Hastert Rule, which prevents them from scheduling votes on bills that don’t draw majority support from the majority party.
Boehner had announced October 29 as the date for the full vote on the House floor to choose the new speaker, but McCarthy’s withdrawal potentially puts that scheduling in doubt. The Freedom Caucus pledged that if 80 percent of members supported one candidate, they would vote as a bloc.
Boehner essentially had been driven out by a group of about 40 conservatives, known as the House Freedom Caucus, who are insisting on a greater say for rank-and-file members in the legislative process and in leadership.
Although he acknowledged that many of his colleagues are “satisfied to watch the Republican caucus implode”, Cárdenas said he is saddened with the congressional inaction since he started working in the House three years ago, such as the House not debating comprehensive immigration reform – despite one bipartisan legislation passing the Senate in 2013. “It’ll be hard to determine how that’s all going to play out”, said Rep. Daniel Webster, (R) Florida. “What’s this tell the American people?”
Issa said that if Ryan declines, he himself might seek the job to replace retiring House Speaker John Boehner.
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“Congressman Emmer looks forward to upcoming discussions within the GOP Conference prior to the endorsement of a Speaker who will unify the party and continue the work of the 114th Congress”, his spokeswoman Becky Alery said.
