I like Rep. Chaffetz very much. I think he would be much better than McCarthy. Let’s see what happens, but it’s nice for a change to not feel sick with the idea of who might be in charge.
Via Real Clear Politics and Fox News Sunday.
Rep. Jason Chaffetz, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee and Republican first elected from Utah in 2008, announces he is challenging Kevin McCarthy for Speaker of the House on Fox News Sunday. He says he can “bridge that divide between our more centrist members and some of our more far right wing members.”
“Internally, I think we have to bridge the divide. I’ve been recruited. I didn’t just wake up last week and think I was going to run for Speaker. But I’ve had enough members say, ‘Please, Jason, do this. We don’t want to fight internally, but realistically, we can not vote to promote existing leadership.’ So that internal factor is there and I think will continue to the floor of the House.”
Me: happy if he runs and wins. Better than more-of-the-same McCarthy.
Yes indeed Chuck, enough of the next in line hoo haw.
Having endured poorly the simpleton Tweedledee Boehner for frustrating, infuriating years, I’m in no mood to see his lesser brother Tweedledum McCarthy assume the dullard’s throne. Tammy For Speaker! Hell … ME for speaker! Anyone else.
My preference is Jason Chaffetz over Kevin McCarthy, but it’s a slight lead and I still would like other(s) to put their name in for Speaker. Chaffetz removed Rep. Mark Meadows from his subcommittee Chair position earlier this year, although he subsequently reinstated Meadows after outcry. Meadows is the Republican who filed a motion to remove Boehner as Speaker. So the choice between McCarthy and Chaffetz is a choice between Next-in-Line and the Republican who removed as Chair the Republican who filed the motion against Boehner. Seems a fairly clear signal to all Republicans to stay-in-line or else. (Also, the reason Chaffetz removed Meadows was over Meadows not voting a procedure rule for Trade Deal. So Chaffetz running sends signal, do not vote against Trade Deal.) If Speaker campaign is just about who will communicate better internally and externally, and not about policy differences then it seems like, tomato-tomahto.
I agree with you, Alain41.
Two things I note:
1. Chaffetz was able to listen to the pressure from the conservative base and reverse his removal of Mark Meadows. This might show a sign that he is a bit more willing to listen to the base. But…
2. Take note of his wording “bridge that divide between our more centrist members and some of our more far right wing members.” The phrase “far right wing members” does indicate just where his mind set is regarding said conservative base.
I think that Jason Chaffetz is an excellent choice, have supported him for a long time. He is not afraid to fight and I have never seen him cry!
LOL Patricia. Just for that last thing alone you mentioned he’s qualified for the job!
Jason is a good man; very down to earth and doesn’t abide bull Shi’ite. I have met him a time or two back when he was a local politician here in Utah. My neighbor and friend is a state rep and has hosted a few get togethers where Jason was attending.