House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) has the support of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who believes Emmer has the qualifications for the position.
McCarthy stated on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the current situation “is not the moment in time to play around with learning on the job,” citing the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, the border with Mexico, and the nation’s economy as the main causes.
“I believe Tom Emmer, our whip; he’s been in the room with all of our successes, from our bills to secure the border, from Parents Bill of Rights, from cutting $2 trillion getting work requirements; he knows how to do the job across the street at the same time, helping us win the majority,” McCarthy said.
“He sets himself, head and shoulders, above all those others who want to run. We need to get him elected this week, and move on, and bring not just party together; but focus on what this country needs most,”he continued.
Since eight of its members sided with Democrats to remove McCarthy earlier this month, leaving the House without a Speaker for almost three weeks, the House GOP has been in disarray.
The House Republicans have been unable to unite around a single candidate, leading to an ongoing contest for the position of Speaker.
Monday at 6:30 p.m., House Republicans are scheduled to gather behind closed doors for a candidate forum before moving on to a Tuesday morning internal nomination vote. Sunday at noon was the cutoff for candidates to submit their candidacies.
Nine legislators have declared that they are either seeking the position of Speaker or are contemplating it. Emmer formally declared his candidacy for the job on Saturday.
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