Staff Reports
In a recent appearance on CBS' "Face the Nation," Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) addressed the possibility of Republicans needing to collaborate with Democrats if they fail to elect a House speaker. This topic has gained prominence following the removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) a couple of weeks ago. Turner affirmed his support for Rep. Jim Jordan's (R-Ohio) bid for the speakership and expressed his confidence in Jordan's qualifications. However, if Jordan cannot secure the necessary votes, Turner acknowledges the potential need for a bipartisan agreement with Democrats.
The question of whether Jordan can gather the 217 votes required has been a matter of debate. With Republicans holding a slim majority in the lower chamber, concerns arise that Democrats might vote collectively against Jordan, posing a challenge. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has hinted at the possibility of a bipartisan governing coalition to select a speaker, signaling potential discussions between Republicans and Democrats. Jeffries contends that current House rules permit a small group of Republicans to dictate the agenda, potentially undermining the interests of the American people.
Despite some uncertainty, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Tenn.), a public supporter of Jordan's candidacy, anticipates increasing support for Jordan as the voting process unfolds. He expects that some lawmakers may initially cast their votes for other candidates, such as McCarthy or Majority Leader Steve Scalise, but eventually rally around Jordan. Meanwhile, Rep. McCarthy expresses confidence in Jordan's prospects and criticizes those Republicans who voted for his removal as speaker. He calls for party unity and underscores the importance of steering America in the right direction.
As the Republican Party continues its quest for a new House speaker, the question of whether a cross-party deal will be necessary remains unanswered. While Republicans ideally aim to elect a speaker from their own ranks, the potential for collaboration with Democrats is acknowledged. The unfolding situation will determine how the House addresses this critical decision.
