What’s Happening:
For a long time, it was expected that the current House Minority Leader, Republican Kevin McCarthy, would become the next Speaker of the House. McCarthy is the most vocal Republican in the House. He has defied Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi. And he appears the clear leader of House Republicans.
But many are discontent that Republicans did not experience a “red wave” in D.C. this year. Some have blamed McCarthy, either saying he didn’t do enough or that he has compromised with the swamp. And now, he is officially facing a challenger to the gavel.
From Fox News:
Rep. Andy Biggs announced Tuesday that he would challenge Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy for speaker on the House floor in January…
“We cannot let this all too rare opportunity to effectuate structural change pass us by because it is uncomfortable to challenge the Republican candidate who is a creature of the establishment status quo…”
Republican congressman Andy Biggs announced he was going to challenge Kevin McCarthy on the House floor in January. He will contend with House members that he should be voted speaker, not the obvious shoo-in.
McCarthy needs 218 votes to secure the Speakership. Republicans will have 222 seats in the new Congress, versus Democrats’ 218. It is unlikely a single Democrat will vote for him. So, he can only lose four Republican votes if he wants to be Speaker.
It appears Biggs’ strategy is to prevent McCarthy from winning, by taking away at least 5 votes from Republicans. Then, it seems, the House will have to come up with an alternative step to elect the next Speaker.
This would mean Republicans will have to find someone else to run for Speaker, if McCarthy can win. Does that mean Biggs? Does that mean another Republican? Or will Democrats find a way to win over enough Republicans so they can install a Speaker themselves?
This challenge might not end up working in Biggs’ favor. And it certainly doesn’t help Republicans, who need to hit the ground running next year. Democrats often succeed, because they can put aside their disagreements for the good of the party.
But all too often, Republicans devolve into in-fighting, taking pot-shots at each other instead of working together. Meanwhile, Democrats are taking over.
If Republicans hope to do anything with a House majority over the next two years, they need to end this petty fighting and form a united front against Biden. Soon enough, there will be a presidential election. Republicans have a clear shot at the White House, given Biden’s pathetic performance.
But if they continue to bicker and fight, they have no chance of winning.
Key Takeaways:
- Andy Biggs will challenge Kevin McCarthy’s Speakership on the House floor.
- If he takes away five votes, McCarthy will not win the Speakership.
- This comes as Republicans only have two years to hold Biden and the left accountable.
Source: Fox News
