Staff Reports
As if the drama wasn’t already high enough in Congress, it appears that the second-in-command, Steve Scalise, is receiving more backlash from allies than enemies. According to the Hill’s morning newsletter, Kevin McCarthy’s allies are blaming Scalise for the recent conservative uprising. Allegedly, Scalise’s mishandling of Rep. Andrew Clyde’s gun-rights resolution was the spark that ignited the uprising, and the GOP moderates had no interest in supporting it.
What's Going on Between Kevin McCarthy and Steve Scalise? https://t.co/aSu3iHYx74
— RedState (@RedState) June 8, 2023
During the debt-limit debate, conservatives who voted against the rule for the Fiscal Responsibility Act came under fire from moderate Republicans who had vowed to vote against any bill they offered. This caused a lot of anger and resulted in claims that the speaker misled conservative voters, breaking promises he made to them.
Scalise has denied any role in causing or fixing the current problem, although his position appears tenuous. If McCarthy sees Scalise as a threat to his Speakership, he may distance himself from Scalise and eventually try to find a replacement. Louisiana Congressman Garrett Graves, who was tapped by McCarthy for the debt ceiling deal, may also play a role in the ongoing drama, given his endorsement of Stephen Waguespack over other Louisiana Congressmen who have endorsed Jeff Landry, the Trump-endorsed frontrunner.
As the drama unfolds, the question arises, “Who will be the last man standing?” Time will tell, but it seems doubtful that either man will emerge unscathed from this political theater.
