House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan and GOP House Majority Leader Steve ScaliseTFP File Photo House Republicans on Thursday took a step backward i
House Republicans on Thursday took a step backward in the effort to find a new leader.
GOP House Majority Leader Steve Scalise withdrew from the race to succeed former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, despite having support from the majority in his party, as reported by the Tampa Free Press.
As we reported on Thursday, the Louisiana Republican beat House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan 113-99 in a closed-door vote.
Yet Scalise pulled out of the running when it was clear several Republican lawmakers were holding out on his election because of their support for Jordan.
That group included allies of Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who has called Jordan his mentor and who led the charge to oust McCarthy. The Fort Walton Beach Republican on Wednesday had offered support for Scalise following his nomination.
“I’m excited for him,” Gaetz told reporters. “I can’t wait to go vote for Steve Scalise. Long live Speaker Scalise.”
That, however, didn’t last long.
“I just shared with my colleagues that I’m withdrawing my name as a candidate for the speaker designee,” the Louisiana Republican told reporters.
“If you look at where our conference is there’s still work to be done. Our conference still has to come together and is not there,” he said. “There are still some people that have their own agendas and I was very clear we have to have everybody put their agendas on the side and focus on what this country needs. This country is counting on us to come back together. This House of Representatives needs a speaker and we need to open up the House again, but clearly not everybody is there and there’s still schisms that have to get resolved.”
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