House GOP ends session as Jim Jordan faces strong opposition for speaker.
Rep. Jim Jordan Struggles to Garner Support for Speaker Bid
With his bid for speaker of the House in limbo, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) scrambled Tuesday afternoon to rally more support. However, he ultimately decided to delay the second vote until Wednesday, a clear indication that he is facing challenges in gaining additional votes.
Jordan Holdouts Float New Powers for House Speaker Pro Tempore in Interim
“I fully expect the D.C. cartel to increase their no votes against Jim Jordan tomorrow because they are being hammered by the K Street lobbyists,” Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) said. “That said, in January, I went 15 rounds in the speaker fight. For Jim, I’ll go a hundred rounds.”
After failing to secure the necessary 217 votes to become speaker on the first ballot, Jordan spent hours strategizing how to win over the holdouts.
The original plan was to hold a second round of votes around 6 p.m., but it became evident that bringing the vote to the floor would only invite more opposition. As a result, the vote was pushed to 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
However, there is skepticism about the effectiveness of this tactic, with two GOP members expressing doubts that it will help Jordan.
Many of the holdouts remain steadfast in their opposition, with some citing policy objections. For instance, New York Republicans who voted against Jordan want a commitment to prioritize state and local tax deductions, while appropriators who voted against him are concerned about his stance on government spending.
Furthermore, some holdouts initially supported House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) as the nominee for speaker. However, after several Jordan supporters undermined Scalise’s nomination, pledging not to vote for him, Scalise’s allies vowed never to support Jordan in return.
Jordan met with Scalise after the vote, seeking his assistance in rallying his supporters. However, Scalise declined, contradicting Jordan’s characterization of the meeting.
Now, the likelihood of Scalise helping Jordan win over the majority leader’s allies on the House floor seems slim.
Jordan also faces the possibility that some members who voted for him on the first ballot may not support him on the second.
Despite these challenges, Jordan remains optimistic and confident that he can secure the necessary votes to become speaker.
Meanwhile, talks to work with Democrats are already underway, with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) urging centrist Republicans to collaborate with Democrats in selecting a candidate who can garner bipartisan support.
There is also the idea of granting Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-NC) more power by extending his time in the position and expanding his powers. This proposal could potentially receive support through a vote on the House floor.
When asked about this possibility, McHenry emphasized that the main focus should be on electing a Republican speaker.
Overall, the race for speaker of the House remains uncertain, with Jordan facing significant challenges in gaining the necessary support.
How has Jordan’s association with the Freedom Caucus impacted his ability to garner support from more moderate Republicans?
About Jordan’s ability to gather enough support. Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) stated, “It’s going to be an uphill battle for Jordan. He hasn’t been able to consolidate the necessary votes, and time is running out.”
One of the key obstacles Jordan faces in his bid for speaker is his association with the Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative Republicans known for their hardline stances. While the Freedom Caucus holds significant influence within the Republican Party, their views are not always aligned with the broader party. This has made it difficult for Jordan to garner support from more moderate Republicans who may have reservations about his ability to lead and unite the party.
Another challenge for Jordan is the opposition he faces from within his own party. Some Republicans have expressed concerns about Jordan’s alleged involvement in the Ohio State wrestling sexual abuse scandal. While Jordan denies any knowledge of the abuse, these allegations have nonetheless cast doubt on his suitability for the role of speaker.
Additionally, Jordan’s combative style and confrontational approach have also raised concerns among some members of his own party. His willingness to engage in heated debates and his reputation as a conservative firebrand may not sit well with more moderate Republicans who prioritize consensus-building and bipartisanship.
Despite these challenges, Jordan remains determined to win the support necessary to become speaker. His delay of the second vote is seen as a strategic move to buy more time and make further appeals to undecided members. However, time is running out, and Jordan will need to make significant progress if he hopes to secure the speakership.
Ultimately, the outcome of Jordan’s bid for speaker will have significant implications for the Republican Party. If he is successful, it could solidify the influence of the conservative wing and signal a shift towards a more confrontational approach. On the other hand, if Jordan fails to gather enough support, it may prompt the party to reconsider its strategy and prioritize unity over ideological purity.
As the second vote approaches, all eyes are on Jordan and his ability to rally support. The outcome will not only determine who will lead the House Republican caucus but also set the tone for the party’s future direction.
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