Jordan aims to rally GOP dissenters following consecutive unsuccessful speaker votes.
Jordan Continues to Rally Support for Speakership Bid
Speaker-designate Jim Jordan (R-OH) is not giving up on his bid for the speakership, despite facing resistance from several Republican holdouts. After losing the second round of voting by a larger margin than the previous day, Jordan is determined to secure the leadership position.
During the roll call vote on Wednesday morning, Jordan received 199 Republican votes in his favor, but still fell short of the majority threshold due to 22 holdouts. All Democrats voted in favor of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), further diminishing Jordan’s chances. However, Jordan is not backing down.
Jordan Allies Work to Gain Support
Jordan met with Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) on Wednesday evening to strategize. He is also making calls to members throughout the night in an effort to rally support.
The second failed vote indicates a setback for Jordan, as four Republicans who initially backed him voted against him this time. And it seems that the opposition is growing stronger. Multiple Republican members opposing Jordan have stated their intention to vote against him again if there is a third ballot, and they have no plans to change their stance.
Principle Over Politics
Representative Steve Womack (R-AR), one of the holdouts, emphasized that their opposition to Jordan is a matter of principle rather than personal gain. He acknowledged the challenge of winning their support without offering any concessions.
Despite the challenges, Jordan managed to gain the support of two Republicans who had previously voted against him. This small victory has given some Republicans hope that Jordan still has a chance to secure the speakership.
Signs of Progress
Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) expressed optimism, noting that the vote margin did not increase significantly. He believes this indicates that there is still room for negotiation and that Jordan could potentially win over more supporters.
However, those who oppose Jordan remain steadfast in their position. In fact, the pressure campaign from Jordan’s allies has only strengthened their resolve. Conservative influencers have targeted them online, and they have received phone calls and text messages from supporters. But these tactics are unlikely to sway those who are standing firm on their principles.
Unyielding Opposition
Representative Womack emphasized that those opposing Jordan are unwavering in their beliefs. He compared their resolve to concrete setting, stating that no amount of pressure can change their minds.
Despite the challenges, Jordan is determined to continue his bid for the speakership. He plans to bring the matter back to the floor for a third round of voting.
However, the outcome of Wednesday’s proceedings remains uncertain. The House could hold the third speakership vote at noon, or House Republicans might convene for a conference meeting. Alternatively, some members have proposed expanding the powers of the speaker pro tempore as another option.
Exploring Alternatives
Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Mike Kelly (R-PA) have suggested resolutions to broaden the authority of the speaker pro tempore. Several Republican holdouts have expressed support for this idea, arguing that it would allow legislative business to resume while a new Speaker is elected.
Even some Republicans who initially supported Jordan are open to empowering the speaker pro tempore. They believe it is the best solution to move forward and restart legislative proceedings.
Passing such a resolution would likely require Democratic support, as many Republicans, including Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry, have reservations about the interim speaker position. However, it remains unclear whether Democrats would vote in favor of the resolution, despite calls for bipartisan cooperation.
McHenry has not revealed whether he would accept the expanded powers, as he remains committed to supporting Jordan and helping him secure the speakership. Jeffries, on the other hand, did not explicitly state whether he would instruct his caucus to back the resolution, suggesting that further discussions may be necessary.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
What are the implications for the Republican party in choosing the next Speaker of the House, and how will it shape their future direction and legislative agenda
E not swayed by outside pressure and are committed to upholding their principles. He stated, “No amount of persuasion or pressure will change our stance. We believe that a change in leadership is necessary for the betterment of our party and our country.”
As the third vote approaches, Jordan’s chances of winning the speakership remain uncertain. While he has made some progress in gaining support, he still faces a significant number of holdouts. The lack of unity within the Republican party is a concern for many, as it could potentially weaken the party’s ability to pass legislation and advance their agenda.
Despite the challenges ahead, Jordan remains determined to rally support for his bid. He recognizes the importance of standing firm on his principles and believes that he is the best candidate to lead the party. Whether or not he is successful in his quest for the speakership will become clear in the coming days.
The Path Forward
Regardless of the outcome, the race for the speakership has highlighted the divisions within the Republican party. It has also brought to the forefront the importance of strong leadership and unity within the party. As Republicans continue to navigate these challenging times, they must find a way to bridge their differences and work towards a common goal.
Ultimately, the decision on who will become the next Speaker of the House rests in the hands of the Republican members of Congress. They will need to carefully consider the implications of their choice and determine who can best lead the party and advance their agenda. Only time will tell if Jim Jordan’s bid for the speakership will ultimately be successful or if another candidate will rise to the challenge.
As the Republican party continues its internal deliberations and negotiations, the eyes of the nation remain on the outcome. The choice of the next Speaker of the House will undoubtedly shape the direction of the party and impact the legislative agenda for years to come.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
