Posted on 06/13/2014 5:01:09 PM PDT by Din Maker
Rep. Raul Labrador, a fiery conservative lawmaker from Idaho, will challenge House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy in next Thursday's special election to replace Eric Cantor as majority leader, according to Republican sources.
"I want a House Leadership team that reflects the best of our conference," Labrador said in a statement provided to National Journal. He later added: "I am running for Majority Leader because I want to help create a vision of growth and opportunity for everyone and start getting to work for the American people."
A sophomore representative from a heavily Republican district, Labrador's election would dramatically alter the dynamic atop the House GOP. The former immigration attorney is Hispanic and bilingual, and would add diversity to an all-white leadership team. Labrador is also a member of the enormous 2010 class, the members of which pushed the GOP into the majority—but have felt largely unrepresented since.
"I was stunned when Eric Cantor lost his primary election earlier this week," Labrador said. "Eric is a good friend and I have tremendous respect for him. But the message from Tuesday is clear—Americans are looking for a change in the status quo."
It's unclear, in fact, whether Labrador actually thinks he can win. As he pondered the race on Thursday evening, conservatives who know Labrador speculated that his entrance would be less about beating McCarthy and more about proving a point. The Idaho Republican frequently criticizes the GOP leadership team—dominated by members from blue and purple states—for not representing the geographical or ideological composition of the conference. With a powerful leadership spot now open, Labrador couldn't bear the idea of McCarthy moving up uncontested.
(Excerpt) Read more at nationaljournal.com ...
The vote will be by secret ballot.
I like what Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Vanceburg said.
He said, “...Raul Labrador has a David Brat chance of winning,”
If the RINO pre-chosen one can be defeated, it’s a huge psychological victory.
hehe
There are no secrets in a House caucus. Labrador will be lucky to get around 30 votes. House members are much more likely to back McCarthy and lie about it rather than back Labrador and lie about that.
We need someone like Pete Sessions to be more than a symbolic candidate.
True. But Labrador is more dangerous because Hispanic and will be put on pedestal by some clueless conservatives.
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