Posted on 11/12/2008 7:58:21 PM PST by counterpunch
Three out of the four most powerful House Republican leadership positions will be changing hands in the wake of Tuesday’s election, in which Democrats gained 19 seats. That won’t include the position of House Minority Leader, however.
Sources on Capitol Hill told CNSNews.com that despite “widespread discontent” among rank-and-file Republicans, it is unlikely that House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) will even be challenged for his position in the new Congress.
“The general feeling around here is, ‘Let’s just get rid of all of them,’” one Republican aide said Friday. “We’re just not big fans (of Boehner.) We have got to get someone in who has a better way of relating to people.”
But the most likely candidate, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), a conservative who, sources say, several members have privately urged to run for the post, took himself out of the running on Friday.
In a statement issued to CNSNews.com, Ryan said that despite the “outpouring of support,” he has opted out for personal reasons.
“I share their hunger for reform and will work tirelessly as a policy leader for the Republican Party,” Ryan said. “My first priority in life will always be my wife and my three young children. As I reflect upon the strains that this position would place on my young family, I have decided not to enter my name as a candidate for House Minority Leader.”
House GOP Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) announced last week that they will step down. Reps. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and Mike Pence (R-Ind.), respectively, have declared their candidacies to fill those vacancies.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnsnews.com ...
So does this mean the GOP House leader won’t have to do anything — again? I mean the success of the last election was so stunning in it’s lack of success. Did anyone see the lameo dontgo campaign? If that’s what we have to look forward to ... I say don’t go.
It should be a common-sense rule that if the party loses, all members of the leadership in charge should automatically resign. If no on steps forward to take a vacated position, it can revert to its previous holder.
Stupid!!!....
I lost a great conservative congressman because they refused to dole out campaign money to my congressman. They said he was a lost cause but he ended up losing by 2% in a 4 way race.
Boehner is another anti conservative republican who deserves the beating he’s going to get.
It is official: The Republican Party has become the New York Knicks circa 3 years ago and Boner is Isaiah Thomas.
Correct it doesn't take a whole lot of effort to rollover and lose.
Keep looking. There MUST be a conservative around somewhere.
And this surprises Amerika because...........?
I’ve already called my critter. He got the message loud and clear. NO MODERATES. We are now the Che Guevara Republicans. Take no prisoners to lunch!
We need Mike Pence to take over the GOP leadership post.
We need grassroots activists to sign up for Operation Boehner’s Doners here.
If you do nothing then you cannot complain about the do-nothings in Washington.
Throw the bums out, especially Boehner.
Calling your Rep is not enough.
We need to organize against Boner, or the GOP will further sink into oblivion, and the country will follow.
So are you signing up for Operation Boehner’s Donors?
Sounds good. Who is Mike Pence? And... why is he qualified?
You nailed it. When I see Beohner, it always looks like he is in a hurry to get to the golf course. He doesn’t seem to be too deep a thinker, or master strategist.
It is time people stopped giving money to the RNC and started giving to the Club For Growth, an excellent organization which primarily challenges RINOs in the primaries:
http://www.clubforgrowth.org/about.php
I’m still kicking myself in the pants for giving money to the RNC during the McCain thing. They are nothing but a jobs program for moderate Democrats!
Clean house, go conservative or we start a new party!
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