Posted on 07/31/2012 7:25:22 AM PDT by Hojczyk
Those dissatisfied moderates hit Boehner with a one-two punch Monday.
First, the Columbus Dispatch reported that Rep. Steve LaTourette had abruptly decided to retire. That decision shocked many Republicans, in part because LaTourette – who like Boehner is a from Ohio – has had, at least until recently, an extremely close relationship with the Speaker.
At the same time, Syracuse Republican Rep. Hanna harshly criticized the GOP, arguing leadership has gone too far in deferring to the demands of conservatives. “I have to say that I’m frustrated by how much we — I mean the Republican Party — are willing to give deferential treatment to our extremes in this moment in history,” Hanna told the Post-Standard.
According to Republicans, moderate members of the House GOP conference feel that Boehner, who has struggled with an often raucous and openly defiant right wing, has forced them to go along with conservative demands but has provided them little in return.
One Republican familiar with the dynamics within the GOP argued part of the difficulty for Boehner has been the fact that conservatives -- and not moderates -- have been the "squeaky wheel" within the conference, which has forced him to focus on them for much of the 112th Congress.
Rather than work with his entire conference Boehner has had to "prove to conservatives constantly that he's advocating for them and not screwing them behind their backs," the Republican said.
Boehner remains deeply popular within his conference, and despite the frustration of moderates he faces virtually no chance of an effort oust him as Speaker.
Although a spokesman for Boehner declined to comment, one Republican lawmaker privately downplayed Hanna's complaints, noting that pushing back against leadership is a favored past time of lawmakers in swing districts like Hanna's.
(Excerpt) Read more at buzzfeed.com ...
He clearly was a chameleon in Mass., which is my main criticism. Whether a chameleon now living on a conservative tapestry, or a closest conservative freed at last, I'm expecting some solid stuff.
He said he suspected humans had some affect on global warning, but couldn't be sure how much, or what if any action was needed. We now know that he'll unleash energy, and lower taxes. He won't take any guff from the EPA, and I'll bet defunds it to barebones, nor will we see a carbon tax. It'll be boom time. I can't see him supporting abortion in his present incarnation.
One concern is the border, but there is a large segment of conservatives (like Rubio) who want to try to find a way to solve the egregious incidents, so I expect some flexing there, but I'll bet a fence finally gets built.
Support for Israel, and national defense seems strong. Overall, I remain optimistic, but just in case....(tagline)
“If Boehner is having a hard time dealing with real conservatives, after November he might find the speaker job too much for him.”
We can only hope!
Won’t take too many more votes to replace him so he can look for his nuts.
“...so he can look for his nuts.”
lololol
Well heck son, he has had enough eidence to impeach Otalin for years,,,and what does he do...wimp out while proping up the highway bill. Boehner is hiding the gavel right now.
A “moderate” is someone who is too gutless or too stupid to take a stand.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.