We have been friends, and I think he did a good job as speaker.
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Congressman Richard Hanna weighs in on Boehner’s decision and says he’s not surprised.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is warning Republicans to act wisely following the impending departure of Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), which he fears could lead to a party “meltdown” in 2016.
“Many people forget that long before John Boehner became Speaker of the House he was a rank-and-file member, like many of us, just working hard to serve his constituents and promote his own policy initiatives, particularly in the education and agriculture arenas”, said in a statement released Friday.
Boehner’s announcement of his intention to resign both the speakership and his seat in Congress came a day after he had a private visit with Pope Francis prior to the pontiff’s address to Congress, leading to speculation that the Catholic lawmaker’s decision was influenced by the meeting. Further, he stated that any speaker’s allegiance should be first to the institution of the House of Representatives. Though he is also known as a strong conservative, his tactics were never confrontational enough to satisfy the most conservative faction in the House.
Conservative activists, gathered across town for the annual Values Voters Summit, hosted by the Family Research Council, celebrated Boehner’s fall from grace. Texas Republican Rep. Jeb Hensarling said Friday he is considering challenging McCarthy for the speakership.
And some in the right-wing media have already attacked McCarthy’s conservatism.
“I wish him the best in the next act of his distinguished career”, she said on Friday. Tom Massie said the speaker “subverted our Republic”.
As for who should replace the speaker, Katko said it’s too early to tell but said those who are in leadership roles now are natural contenders. Oliver wants the next House Speaker to be “a good communicator, who can get a point across and will do what we send people up there to do”. But will his exit help bridge the divisions now roiling the party? We’ll see what the next few days hold. The tactic was unsuccessful. Boehner and his leadership team have been urging lawmakers to consider alternatives to using a must-pass funding bill as a means to carry the battle against Planned Parenthood to President Barack Obama.
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Boehner took the helm of the House in 2011 and has recently been under intense pressure to present legislation that would fund the government, avoiding a shutdown on October. 1, while also slashing federal funds from Planned Parenthood.
