Some House Republicans are extremely angry with their leadership for taking sides in a primary contest that cost veteran Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Ill., his job. The 10-term conservative stalwart lost to freshman Rep. Adam Kinzinger in a race created by redistricting.
“Some members are angry,” a House Republican told
The Hill. “If leaders get involved . . . I think they risk a revolt.”
While party leaders usually stay out of internecine battles created by redistricting, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor endorsed Kinzinger. Speaker John Boehner didn’t endorse the rookie, and his aides vehemently denied any involvement, but two GOP congressmen close to Boehner said he privately made his preference clear, according to The Hill.
"Everybody was involved," one member of leadership said when asked by The Hill which GOP leaders supported Kinzinger.
Now focus is shifting to upcoming primaries where GOP congressmen are facing off against each other, including Arizona Reps. Ben Quayle and David Schweikert, Louisiana Reps. Charles Boustany Jr. and Jeff Landry, and Florida Reps. John Mica and Sandy Adams.
Some House leaders have signaled whom they support in some of these races. Boehner contributed money to Boustany’s campaign in December, after it became clear he and Landry would face off. The speaker also donated to Quayle.
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