The next Speaker of the House is expected to be Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA). He must, however, answer the worries of at least ten House Republicans who think he is too much like outgoing Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and would uphold the “status quo.”
Rep. Scalise’s whip team is working hard to win over a handful of detractors who could withhold their support for the next Speaker vote. Republicans can only afford to lose four votes in the GOP caucus because Democrats will oppose any nominee they choose. This empowers a small number of Republicans to bargain with Scalise.
According to POLITICO, at least ten Republicans have pledged to abstain from voting for Scalise’s candidacy and may possibly back his opponent, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH). As follows:
- Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) and Bob Good (R-VA), who each said Scalise is a continuation of the “status quo”;
- Rep. Max Miller (R-OH), who cited a need for new leadership;
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who raised concerns about Scalise’s health;
- Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who said Scalise “has not articulated a viable plan for avoiding an omnibus”;
- Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), who said he was unhappy with Scalise’s effort to defeat an internal election rules change;
- Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), who raised concerns about Scalise’s 2002 appearance at a meeting of a white supremacist group;
- Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), who said he’s voting for former Speaker Kevin McCarthy until McCarthy explicitly tells him otherwise;
- Plus several other members — including Barry Moore (R-AL), Victoria Spartz (R-IN) and Troy Nehls (R-TX) — who have not outlined specific objections.
The Republican leadership is desperately trying to avoid having an embarrassing déjà vu of the difficult fight with Rep. McCarthy in January. He made concession after concession throughout that period, exposing the severe party divides while frantically trying to win over enough supporters.
REVEALED: The 3 reasons you should NEVER use Vegetable Oils…
Rep. Matt Gaetz, who has been Rep. Scalise’s harshest opponent, unexpectedly lends him support. After Republicans unify in support of Scalise, Gaetz joyously endorses his nomination and cries out, “Long live Speaker Scalise!”
