Scalise Secures Speaker Nomination Yet Steps Back Paving the Way for Jim Jordans Ascent
Shared By Peter Boykin – American Political Commentator / Citizen Journalist / Political Candidate
Scalise Secures Speaker Nomination Yet Steps Back Paving the Way for Jim Jordans Ascent
Scalise Secures Speaker Nomination Yet Steps Back Paving the Way for Jim Jordans Ascent
In a tight race within GOP ranks, Rep. Steve Scalise emerged as the nominee for the next Speaker of the House. However, the road to formal election faces obstacles as some Republicans remain hesitant to throw their support behind him.
In a discreet meeting of GOP House members, a secret ballot determined the nomination results:
– Rep. Steve Scalise: 113
– Rep. Jim Jordan: 99
The Catch-22 for Scalise: Despite securing a majority within the Republican camp, he needs a total of 217 votes from the entire House to claim the Speaker’s position. With all 212 Democrats anticipated to vote against him, Scalise can only afford to lose four Republican votes out of the 221.
The Holdouts: Rumors circulate that over 20 GOP House members, including Reps. Thomas Massie, Nancy Mace, Lauren Boebert, Barry Moore, Max Miller, Lloyd Smucker, Anna Paulina Luna, and Bob Good, refuse to back Scalise in a floor vote. Rep. Thomas Massie cites Scalise’s failure to present a viable plan for avoiding another massive omnibus bill as the primary contention. Conservatives advocate for returning to passing 12 single-subject appropriation bills, rather than bundling them together.
Scalise, a Survivor: Notably, Scalise has faced considerable adversity, surviving a gunshot wound by a radical Bernie Sanders supporter in 2017 and undergoing treatment for blood cancer. Despite his resilience, some view him as a “mini Kevin McCarthy swamp creature,” leading to a preference for Rep. Jim Jordan among many Republicans.
What’s on the Horizon: Initially calling for a vote on the House floor, Scalise canceled it upon realizing insufficient support. As negotiations unfold, Scalise aims to secure the necessary votes, navigating the challenges posed by GOP holdouts. The outcome remains uncertain, prompting speculation and discussions within the party.
Scalise’s Exit and Jordan’s Rise
Rep. Steve Scalise has withdrawn from the House Speaker race, a day after clinching the nomination from a slim majority of Republicans.
Scalise cited the need for unity within the House and acknowledged unresolved schisms that impede progress. In his own words: “This House of Representatives needs a speaker, and we need to open up the House again. But clearly, not everybody is there, and there are still schisms that have to get resolved.”
The Void: Scalise’s departure paves the way for Rep. Jim Jordan to emerge as a potential frontrunner for the Speaker position. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a key figure in the ousting of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, emphasized, “It’s Jim Jordan Time!”
Contradictions and Challenges for Jordan
Rep. Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, faces challenges in his bid for the House speakership, with at least 10 to 20 Republican members expressing opposition to his nomination. Despite incremental growth in Jordan’s support, some Republicans remain skeptical, raising concerns about his ability to handle critical issues facing Congress.
Internal GOP Questions: Doubts about Jordan extend beyond his character and abilities, encompassing worries about his approach to supplemental requests from the Biden administration, especially concerning aid for Israel and Ukraine. Some Republicans question whether Jordan can effectively navigate these complex issues.
Trump’s Influence: Jordan relies on right-wing groups, allies close to former President Donald Trump, and support from activists to sway undecided members. Trump’s endorsement of Jordan adds weight to his candidacy, although the extent of Trump’s involvement in the coming days remains uncertain.
The Monday Night Meeting: Jordan plans to rally GOP members on Monday night, presenting it as an opportunity to move past the current political turmoil. While optimism persists among Jordan’s confidants, internal GOP divisions pose challenges to his candidacy.
Contingency Plans: If Jordan fails to secure sufficient support, talks of a bipartisan deal involving Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina gaining an expanded role in moving legislation have emerged. McHenry could potentially serve as an alternative for the speakership.
Alternative Contenders: In the absence of a clear frontrunner, names like Rep. Tom Cole, Rep. Elise Stefanik, Rep. Tom Emmer, Rep. Kevin Hern, Rep. Mike Johnson, and Rep. Jodey Arrington are mentioned as backup options for the speakership.
As the countdown to the floor vote intensifies, internal GOP dynamics and negotiations will play a crucial role in determining the next Speaker of the House.
[Source: Axios, Breitbart, The National Pulse, MSN]
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