He criticized the members who ran against Boehner for not doing so in November, when Republicans met behind closed doors to choose their Speaker.
“That was the time to fight,” he said of the November vote. “But not a single person ran against Boehner. Not one. If they had, we could’ve had a secret ballot to find out what the true level of opposition to John Boehner was.”...... The Hill
Well, at least we know that John isn’t wishy-washy, incompetent and ineffective in everything he does. He can take revenge and screw conservatives like a champ.
IOW, the plum assignments don’t go to those most qualified, but to those who are willing to kiss the ass of the king.
Politics is all about power.
Were the newly elected members present at this November meeting?
And he just created 25 new Democrats.
This existing system where everyone knows how everyone else voted is anti-Democratic as we can now plainly see. Votes for the Speaker should be private, so no one can coerce people by retaliation after the fact.
I am sharing the following to provide information for the discussion, not for support of Boehner.
I received the following email from Rep. Pete Olson, 22nd District of Texas (Tom Delay’s old seat)
January 7, 2015
Dear Friend,
Yesterday, my colleagues and I were sworn in for the 114th Session of Congress and I voted in support of John Boehner for House Speaker. Last month, House Republicans met to decide who our candidate for Speaker would be. That was the time for those who wanted to provide a different choice to speak up. The position of Speaker of the House is third in line for the presidency. Anyone wishing to serve in this role should, at a minimum, provide a clear vision of how they intend to run the House, promote conservative solutions to strengthen this great nation, and personally talk to us about why they could better manage the role of Speaker of the House. None of the candidates who ran at the eleventh hour spoke with me about their candidacy or made any argument for how they would do a better job.
This is a critical year for a Republican House and Senate to show America how our vision and solutions can more effective solve problems for the American people. Without an obstructionist Harry Reid protecting President Obama, we have an opportunity to develop an agenda that is in clear contrast to the failed liberal policies that have increased our debt and strangled our economy. Over the course of this year, my colleagues and I will hold our Republican leadership accountable to their House majority and expect a Republican-controlled Senate will be an energetic partner in crafting and sending the president legislation to reform the role of government, empower American families instead of bureaucracy, and help our families get back in control of their lives.
Ultimately, Speaker Boehner won the majority of the House Republican Conference during the selection process. Boehner will be the Speaker until and unless someone else is capable of presenting a compelling plan and vision that convinces a majority of House Republicans - not just a few - that they could do a better job. Should Speaker Boehner promote legislation that is against the wishes and beliefs of the people of the 22nd Congressional District, I will oppose those efforts just as I have done in the past – most recently in voting against the Omnibus spending bill.
While some may disagree with this decision, I will continue to seek your guidance, wisdom, and feedback so that we can work together to produce the most conservative solutions possible to help strengthen America and our hard-working families.
It’s an honor to represent you.
Very respectfully,
Pete Olson
They broke no rules. The time to fight is whenever the need arises. Boofus is the one to blame. He was the betrayer of trust.
The only thing wrong with the revolt was that there were too many yellow-bellies that backed out.
Boofus is just proving he is unfit to lead by seeking revenge rather than righting the wrongs that caused the revolt in the first place.
Boehner will spend the majority of his legislative opportunity time in executing revenge on conservatives instead of fighting his golfing buddy. Count on it.
The Gelded Old Pansies are dead.
What a coward this Mulvaney is! He needs a secret ballot for his stealth vote. Not exactly echoing Patrick Henry’s revolutionary call: “Give me liberty or give me death!” South Carolinians should be embarrassed by this little girl’s behavior.
Among the many things Boehner learned from obama, it is how to be a dictator, he has had enough of congressman who do not tow the line regardless of the wishes of constituents, yeah the congress has rules but they are smoking mirror dog and pony show rules not to be taken seriously, when you get there you better just submit to total control, oh you can put on a show for constituents if you seek permission and stay within the dictators guidelines but you better shut up when told to do so, out of 435 representatives we have only 28 who are willing to stand against tyranny, time for “We The People” to abandon this one party system, our Free Republics condition has moved from critical condition and is in the throws of death.
Is that like RINO mafioso family? Wah! You didn't vote for me, so go stand in the corner!
A real leader would have welcomed his defectors back into the fold and won their respect. Boehner has never been a real leader.
23 Congresscritters would be a really good start for a new party.
Yeah, right. Dad is going to take us behind the woodshed.
I hope the latch on his tanning bed malfunctions.
The response should not be to cower to Boehner and Co, it should be to FIGHT them tooth and nail if they continue ‘retribution’, they must be made to pay, even if it is voters in 2016 giving them the ‘boot’!
My Representative, Raul Labrador, needn’t worry about his committee assignments, parking place, 0bamacare-exempt status, cushy retirement plan, or luxury towels at the House gymnasium, thank heaven. He kissed Boehner’s butt like a good little boy. I believe the term for that is “leadership”.
The only solution in two years is to vote for Boehner’s opponent in 2016, even if it is for a democrat in the general election.
That will send a message to whomever is the next Speaker. That will get the attention of the GOPe.