Posted on 10/04/2023 8:53:36 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
This article has been updated to include more posts, including those indicating Chairman Jim Jordan's (R-OH) willingness to run for Speaker of the House.
Among the names being floated for the new Speaker of the House to replace the ousted Kevin McCarthy include the expected ones, like House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), but also more far-fetched ones, like Donald Trump. Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) of the House Judiciary Committee and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government has been another name as well, with a POLITICO headline, "Jim Jordan is entertaining a speakership bid," causing chatter.
"Rep. Jim Jordan is having conversations with House GOP allies as he seriously entertains a bid for speaker, two Republicans with direct knowledge told POLITICO," the brief report begins by mentioning.
It's not just the POLITICO headline, though. According to TheMessenger's Stephen Neukam, Jordan's spokesperson said interest in the speakership "will be a decision for the conference."
When asked whether he was interested in the speakership, Jim Jordan's spokesperson replied: "That will be a decision for the conference."
Jordan has previously said he wasn't interested in the job.— Stephen Neukam (@stephen_neukam) October 3, 2023
On Wednesday morning, Axios' Andrew Solender posted to X that Jordan said "yes" when asked if he's running for speaker.
NEWS: Asked if he’s running for speaker, Rep. Jim Jordan replies: “Yes.”— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) October 4, 2023
This comes after Jordan has spoken with CNN's Manu Raju not long after Tuesday's ousting. Jordan, who had spoken in support of McCarthy during debate, emphasized it "was unfair," and that McCarthy "didn't deserve this, in my judgement." When directly asked "will you run for speaker," Jordan himself also gave the answer that "that's a decision for the conference."
He had already walked away and did not appear to answer when Raju had followed up with "so, are you open to it?"
Speaking to Anderson Cooper about his findings, Raju noted that Jordan is "clearly leaving the option open there," adding "so, there will be a lot of talk about Jordan, because some of the members on the far-right have been pushing him, he is also aligned with that of McCarthy allies themselves., so where Jordan goes remains to be seen."
Raju also reminded Jordan, if he does run, "could have a race on his hand." In addition to mentioning Scalise as a then uncertain possibility, Raju also mentionted Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), and Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), who chairs the Republican Study Committee.
Jim Jordan, who has ruled out running for speaker in the past, did not do so here with me. Says it's a conference decision.
Also, sharp criticism at the eight Rs who voted to oust McCarthy.
GOP Rep. Austin Scott says they're "grifters" and "anarchists" pic.twitter.com/lwTFlfWynl— Manu Raju (@mkraju) October 4, 2023
When it comes to those Raju categorized as being on the "far-right" and "McCarthy allies," Jordan indeed does have their support from both sides.
Back in January, when it took 15 rounds to select McCarthy as Speaker of the House in the early morning hour of January 7, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) had nominated Jordan to be the speaker. Gaetz had been the one to file the motion to vacate the chair on Monday night, just as he teased he would.
Not long before McCarthy finally became speaker, Townhall published Derek Hunter's column on January 5, "House GOP Morons Need to Leave Jim Jordan Where He Wants to Be."
Despite Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) speaking out in enthusiastic support for McCarthy during debate, Gaetz reposted Massie, signaling that both members could come together in supporting Jordan. Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) also posted his support.
My mentor Jim Jordan would be great! https://t.co/hS3RPgDoN1— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) October 4, 2023
Jim Jordan is a conservative fighter and would make a strong Speaker of the House https://t.co/U446XmayrK— Jim Banks (@Jim_Banks) October 4, 2023
It's worth reminding that in November 2021, Jordan spoke with Townhall about his newly-released book at the time, "Do What You Said You Would Do: Fighting for Freedom in the Swamp." When talking about his hopes for the 118th Congress, he was clear he did not actually want a leadership position, and that includes being speaker. Rather he wanted to chair the Judiciary Committee, which he now does, along with its select subcommittee. Jordan's Committee is among those investigating the Biden family, along with the House Oversight Committee and House Committee on Ways and Means.
I found who I want - Jim Jordan.
Jordan talks a lot, but he will let the Democrats do as they please.
If Jim Jordan becomes Speaker of the House then Matt Gaetz did America a huge favor in toppling that weasel McCarthy!
Some would say that Jordan's action (subpoenas for example) have been held up by McCarthy. That of course would no longer be the case if Jordan was the top dog.
McCarthy was a RINO, hopefully the next speaker will not be. This could bite them on their collective ass.
I agree with you. Jordan is another Trey Gowdy. Trey talked a great game. He impressed me whenever he opened his mouth BUT he never did a damn thing and let the dims do as they please. Jordan is the same. He talks a great game BUT no action at all.
Doesn’t really matter who becomes speaker when 200 republicans supported McCarthy’s remaining in position.
Democrats had a win-win with this fiasco.
It needed to be done though.
unfortunately, I’m afraid you are right.
WHO would replace him as head of the Judiciary Committee???
He seems pretty effective there.
Scalise is very ill.
Jordan is probably the right choice.
Folks used to think thw same of Gaetz.
Sarah Plain would make good Speaker of House.
Or Kari Lake.
He’s better than McCarthy, but I consider him a moderate.
218th Congress Republican Leadership Team
https://www.house.gov/leadership
Speaker: Vacant
Speaker Pro Tempore: Patrick McHenry (R-NC) (RINO)
Majority Leader: Steve Scalise (R-LA) (RINO)
Majority Whip: Tom Emmer (R-MN) (Moderate)
Republican Conference Chairman: Elise Stefanik (R-NY) (RINO)
Republican Policy Committee Chairman: Gary Palmer (R-AL) (Conservative)
It needs to be some who understands how the House works. That’s critical to doing the job effectively. It needs to be someone who has spent time in the house.
It all comes down to who can get 218 votes. That leaves out all the conservatives. Its likely either Scalise or Stephanik. And Scalia’s has cancer so he may not want it.
The new speaker is going to have to shut the government down and ride it out until the Democrats give no matter how it hurts. He or she must take the fight to the people with the truth any way possible and they must attack the media as harsh and vicious as they do to the Democrats and senor BiteMe. Attack-Attack-Attack!!!
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