Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) blasted Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) and “a few” fellow Republicans on Saturday for suggesting they “would rather work with Democrats” than elect Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) as Speaker of the House.
“It’s outrageous that Jim Jordan has been nominated by the party, has the support of [ousted Speaker Kevin] McCarthy and [speaker pro tempore Patrick] McHenry, and yet Mike Rogers and a few House Republicans would rather work with Democrats,” Lee wrote on X.
“If you’re a House Republican,” he urged the lawmakers, “please vote for Jim Jordan—not [Democratic Minority Leader] Hakeem Jeffries.”
It’s outrageous that Jim Jordan has been nominated by the party, has the support of McCarthy and McHenry, and yet Mike Rogers and a few House Republicans would rather work with Democrats. If you’re a House Republican, please vote for Jim Jordan—not Hakeem Jeffries. https://t.co/n7DQFCTNGa
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) October 14, 2023
In his post, Lee referred to a Thursday report from Forbes, which stated that Rogers “told reporters Thursday after a closed-door House GOP meeting that he wants Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) to tell Republicans what concessions they’ll have to make for Democrats to help them elect a speaker—underscoring the chaotic race to find a new House leader as Republican options grow short to overcome an intraparty impasse.”
Forbes posted a video summary of the story on Friday morning.
Also on Friday, 124 House Republicans voted behind closed doors to nominate Jordan as Speaker, with 81 voting for Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.), Fox News reported.
“After Jordan’s nomination, Republicans launched into a second secret ballot vote, this time gauging support on who will support Jordan on the House floor now that he’s the nominee,” Fox continued. “Fifty-five House Republicans said they would vote against Jordan on that vote. He can only afford to lose four Republican votes to still win the speakership.”
Jordan will need 217 votes to take the gavel.
The Republicans then went home for the weekend, sparking outrage on social media.
“Republicans went home for the weekend and did not elect a speaker… WHY, didn’t they stay and get the job done over the weekend?” fumed one user on X. “These folks work for us and I’m damn tired of paying wages to lazy ass politicians! Washington needs a douche!”
Republicans went home for the weekend and did not elect a speaker…
WHY, didn’t they stay and get the job done over the weekend?
These folks work for us and I’m damn tired of paying wages to lazy ass politicians! Washington needs a douche!— Shreve (@shrevepioneer) October 15, 2023
“This entire episode of ‘As the GOP Turns’ shows it’s been clearly infiltrated by democrats,” another user replied to Lee’s post. “Instead of acknowledging and doing something about it. the made for day time tv show will continue its melodrama meltdowns. Such class!”
This entire episode of “As the GOP Turns” shows it’s been clearly infiltrated by democrats. Instead of acknowledging and doing something about it. the made for day time tv show will continue its melodrama meltdowns. Such class!
— cAmi (@imapotatoOCJ) October 15, 2023
Should Republicans fail to elect Jordan, it will likely be Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) who will catch the most heat for showing McCarthy the door without having a solid replacement in place.
“You’re right of course but isn’t it perfectly fitting that a Speakership crisis that started with Matt Gaetz personal grudge is now being held up by Rogers personal grudge against Gaetz?” one user asked Lee. “This is destructive personal grievance politics on display.”
You’re right of course but isn’t it perfectly fitting that a Speakership crisis that started with Matt Gaetz personal grudge is now being held up by Rogers personal grudge against Gaetz? This is destructive personal grievance politics on display.
— FugitiveMama (@fugitivemama) October 14, 2023
As the GOP chaos continues, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) is calling for unity within the party.
“Some Republicans want to cut a deal with Democrat leader Hakeem Jeffries to elect a Speaker,” he stated on Sunday. “With Democrats controlling the White House and the Senate, we must not give up control of the House. Republicans should unite behind Jim Jordan as our Speaker of the House!”
Some Republicans want to cut a deal with Democrat leader Hakeem Jeffries to elect a Speaker.
With Democrats controlling the White House and the Senate, we must not give up control of the House.
Republicans should unite behind Jim Jordan as our Speaker of the House!
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) October 15, 2023
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Melissa Fine is the former executive editor of Casino Player, Strictly Slots, and Poker
Digest magazines. She is a UCLA graduate, news junkie, and dedicated Stargate SG-
1 fan. Melissa currently lives with her dog and two cats in a tiny town in the Sierra
Nevada foothills.
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