According to new reports in the Washington Examiner and Politico, Kevin McCarthy’s top lieutenant is being prepped to seize the speaker’s gavel from him.
Despite winning his party’s nomination to be the next speaker, McCarthy faces a rematch with Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., in a full House vote on Jan. 3. Biggs remains undeterred after losing his first attempt to dethrone McCarthy in an internal GOP vote.
Five House conservatives have voiced their displeasure with McCarthy since Republicans underperformed in the midterms. With the GOP holding a narrow 222-213 majority in the next Congress, McCarthy can’t afford to lose more than four votes.
Increasingly concerned that Democrats will take advantage of the GOP infighting, a group of lawmakers has approached Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La.
The Examiner explains:
A group of lawmakers has approached No. 2 Republican Rep. Steve Scalise (LA) about running for House speaker in the next Congress should McCarthy’s bid fail, telling him to “just be ready,” sources familiar told Politico. Scalise could offer a more agreeable alternative to McCarthy, as the House minority leader has faced opposition from a handful of Republicans that has threatened to derail his speakership bid.
However, the closed-door conversations could put Scalise in a difficult position. Publicly, the Louisiana Republican has declined to comment on the matter, instead pointing to previous statements he made endorsing McCarthy and maintaining he would not run against him.
Instead, Scalise launched a bid for House majority leader, being elected to the No. 2 position in November after running uncontested. Meanwhile, Scalise has kept a low profile while McCarthy fights off intraparty opposition.
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Scalise has not been organizing support or making calls related to a possible speakership bid, according to Politico. Some conservatives have hinted they would back the Louisiana Republican should he run but maintained there’s a list of other possible contenders they may consider.
This is a breaking news story. Check back with American Liberty News for the latest updates.
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You morons – stop fighting. Unite and dismantle the Democrats. I am so tired of this BS.
Perfect reply – I have said the same thing for probably 20 years or so…………
How about doing the job you as hole’s are paid to do, start there and maybe we can hold people accountable for their criminal actions