Jim Jordan’s momentum halted after a closed-door GOP meeting prior to the floor vote.
House Republicans Struggle to Secure Votes for Speaker Designate Jim Jordan
House Republicans are gearing up for a crucial vote on Tuesday to determine the next speaker. However, despite an intense pressure campaign led by Speaker Designate Jim Jordan (R-OH) and his allies, it seems that Jordan still lacks the necessary support to secure the position.
After a closed-door conference meeting on Monday night, it became evident that Jordan’s opposition had dwindled, but not enough to guarantee his victory. Previously, 55 Republicans had vowed to vote against him, but Jordan managed to reduce that number.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Jordan expressed his determination to get a speaker elected, emphasizing the importance of a functioning House of Representatives for the American people. While he felt optimistic, one GOP member who supports Jordan admitted that his momentum had slightly stalled on Monday night. The conference meeting revealed more vocal opposition from Jordan’s holdouts.
Republicans Still Opposed to Jordan
At least six Republicans, including Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), and Victoria Spartz (R-IN), stated that they still planned to withhold their support for Jordan on the floor. Rep. Marinette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) remained undecided on her vote.
The anger towards Jordan stems from how his allies undermined House Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s (R-LA) chances of becoming speaker after he was nominated and elected in conference. Some members believe that electing Jordan would reward this “bad behavior” and the removal of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
Womack’s Disdain and Undecided Position
Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR), a veteran appropriator and a House cardinal, expressed his displeasure with the process and how Jordan’s allies failed to support Scalise. While leaning towards opposing Jordan, Womack did not publicly reveal his exact position but made it clear that he would announce it when he votes on the floor.
Pressure from Jordan and his allies did manage to sway some holdouts, such as House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL), who initially vowed never to support Jordan. However, there are still lingering tensions within the conference, and not all members are easily swayed by pressure tactics.
Vote Scheduled, but Support Lacking
The vote is set for noon on Tuesday, and Jordan has vowed to proceed regardless of whether he has the 217 votes needed to become speaker. However, it is evident that he currently lacks the support of 217 members. The pressure campaign has not convinced everyone, and for some, pressure only serves to alienate them.
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart summed it up by saying, “If folks think that they can pressure me, that’s where they lose.”
Why are some Republicans questioning Jim Jordan’s ability to unify the party and build necessary coalitions
Ed that there are still a significant number of House Republicans who are not convinced that Jordan is the right choice for speaker.
One reason for the resistance to Jordan’s candidacy is his controversial past. His association with the conservative House Freedom Caucus and his close ties to former President Donald Trump have made him a polarizing figure within the party. Some Republicans worry that electing Jordan as speaker would further divide an already fractured party and hinder their chances of regaining the majority in 2022.
Another factor working against Jordan is his leadership style. While his allies argue that his assertive and combative approach is exactly what the party needs to confront the Biden administration, many Republicans prefer a more consensus-building and diplomatic leader. They believe that Jordan’s confrontational tactics will only serve to alienate moderate members and make it more difficult to advance the party’s agenda.
In addition to these concerns, some Republicans are also questioning Jordan’s ability to unify the party. As a member of the House Freedom Caucus, he has often been at odds with more establishment Republicans and has a reputation for pushing a hardline conservative agenda. Critics argue that this makes it unlikely that Jordan will be able to bridge the gap between the various factions within the party and build the necessary coalitions to pass legislation.
Despite these challenges, Jordan and his allies are not giving up. They continue to make their case to their colleagues, highlighting Jordan’s commitment to conservative principles and his record of standing up for conservative values. They argue that Jordan is the best choice to lead the party and fight against what they view as the radical agenda of the Biden administration.
However, time is running out for Jordan. With the speaker vote scheduled for Tuesday, he has little time left to secure the necessary support. If he fails to do so, it could be a major blow to his aspirations and a signal that his brand of conservatism may not be as widely embraced within the party as he had hoped.
In conclusion, House Republicans are facing a difficult decision as they prepare to vote for the next speaker. While many admire Jim Jordan’s conservative principles and his willingness to fight for what he believes in, others have concerns about his ability to unite the party and effectively lead. As the vote approaches, it remains to be seen whether Jordan can overcome these challenges and secure the necessary support to become the next speaker of the House.
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