Vote: Which Republicans pledged to prevent Jim Jordan from becoming Speaker?
The Race for Speaker: Jordan’s Bid Faces Opposition
The House is abuzz with anticipation as the vote for a new speaker draws near. All eyes are on Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), who is vying for the coveted title. However, despite gaining some support on Monday, Jordan’s election is far from certain.
Initially, only 152 members of the Republican conference pledged their votes for Jordan during a closed-door vote, falling short of the 217 needed for victory. In the conference nomination, Jordan faced off against Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA) and emerged victorious with a vote of 124-81.
Holdouts and Opposition
Yet, there are still several Republicans who remain opposed to Jordan’s bid. With the slim majority held by House Republicans, the House Judiciary Committee chairman can only afford to lose four conference members.
Among those standing in opposition are Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Victoria Spartz (R-IN), Ken Buck (R-CO) of the Freedom Caucus, and John Rutherford (R-FL).
Flipping the Script
Despite the opposition, Jordan’s campaign gained momentum on Monday as centrist Republicans and establishment allies who had expressed doubts began to show their support.
Reps. Mike Rogers (R-AL), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Ann Wagner (R-MO), and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) were among the most vocal opponents of Jordan’s bid. However, they surprised many by announcing their support, paving the way for Jordan’s potential victory.
In a statement, Wagner expressed her change of heart, saying, “Jim Jordan and I spoke at length again this morning, and he has allayed my concerns about various crucial issues. Jim Jordan is our conference nominee, and I will support his nomination for speaker on the House floor.”
While Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) has not publicly declared her stance, reports suggest she may not be voting for Jordan.
Reasons for the opposition to Jordan vary, with some Republicans remaining loyal to former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) or Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), the previous Republican nominee for speaker. Personal grievances also play a role, as Jordan’s unwavering support for former President Donald Trump has drawn both praise and criticism.
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What challenges does Rep. Jim Jordan face in securing enough votes from Democrats to become Speaker
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), the current House Minority Leader, who has also thrown his hat into the ring for Speaker. McCarthy, who has been actively campaigning for the position, has garnered significant support from his colleagues.
Jordan’s bid for Speaker has faced opposition from within his own party, with some Republicans expressing concerns about his ability to unite the party and effectively lead. Critics point to Jordan’s role in the now-infamous Ohio State University sexual abuse scandal, where he was accused of turning a blind eye to alleged abuses during his tenure as an assistant wrestling coach at the university. Although Jordan has vehemently denied the allegations, they continue to cast a shadow over his candidacy.
Furthermore, some Republicans argue that Jordan’s conservative stance may alienate moderate members of the party and make it difficult to achieve bipartisan compromises on key legislative issues. While Jordan’s strong conservative principles have gained him a loyal following among the party’s base, there are those who believe a more moderate speaker would be better positioned to bring diverse factions of the party together.
In addition to internal opposition, Jordan also faces the challenge of securing enough votes from Democrats to secure the speakership. With the Democrats holding a slim majority in the House, bipartisan support is crucial for any Republican candidate to be successful. However, it remains to be seen whether Jordan can garner enough cross-party votes to overcome this hurdle.
Despite the challenges, Jordan remains optimistic about his chances. He has been actively reaching out to fellow Republicans, highlighting his conservative credentials and promising to champion their values if he is elected Speaker. Jordan’s reputation as a fierce defender of the Constitution and a vocal critic of the Biden administration has earned him a dedicated following, particularly among the party’s conservative wing.
As the vote draws near, the race for Speaker becomes increasingly unpredictable. While Jordan may face opposition from within his own party and struggle to secure bipartisan support, his tenacity and dedication to his cause cannot be underestimated. Whether he will ultimately emerge as the Speaker of the House remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the race for Speaker has never been more heated.
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