Staff Reports
During a recent appearance on CBS' "Face the Nation," Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) delved into the potential scenario where Republicans may need to collaborate with Democrats to elect a House speaker. This discussion has gained traction following the recent removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from the position. Turner, a supporter of Rep. Jim Jordan's (R-Ohio) bid for speaker, expressed his confidence in Jordan's suitability for the role. However, he acknowledged that if Jordan struggles to secure the necessary votes, Republicans might have to consider negotiating with Democrats.
We must denounce anti-Semitism wherever it rears its ugly head. I’m proud to join the entire Ohio congressional delegation in signing onto Congressman @BobLatta’s bipartisan letter condemning Hamas’ brutal act of terror and voicing our support for Israel and the Jewish community. pic.twitter.com/CXYNHM4eA5
— US Rep. Mike Turner (@RepMikeTurner) October 17, 2023
The question of whether Jordan can muster the 217 votes required has become a topic of debate. Despite the Republicans' slender majority in the lower chamber, concerns have arisen that Democrats may vote in opposition to Jordan as a unified bloc, potentially complicating the situation. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has floated the idea of forming a bipartisan governing coalition to elect a speaker, indicating ongoing discussions between Republicans and Democrats. Jeffries emphasized that the current House rules allow a small faction of Republicans to wield significant influence, which could undermine the interests of the American people.
Amid this uncertainty, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Tenn.), an outspoken supporter of Jordan's candidacy, remains optimistic that Jordan will garner increased support as the voting rounds progress. He anticipates that some lawmakers may initially cast their votes for alternative candidates, such as McCarthy or Majority Leader Steve Scalise, but eventually coalesce around Jordan. Meanwhile, Rep. McCarthy has expressed his confidence in Jordan's chances and voiced his criticism of the Republicans who voted to remove him from the speakership. He called for unity within the party and emphasized the need to steer America back on the right course.
As the Republican Party continues its quest for a new House speaker, the question of whether a bipartisan agreement will be necessary with Democrats looms large. While the preferred scenario for Republicans is to elect a member from their own party, the possibility of collaborating with Democrats is now being contemplated. As the situation unfolds, the path that the House will take to address this pivotal decision remains uncertain.
