Several pockets of conservative lawmakers are plotting against House Speaker John Boehner, hoping to prevent him from claiming a third term at the helm of the party.
According to The Hill, frustration with Boehner's leadership style is prompting some of his colleagues to discuss ways to find a replacement.
"In tough times, it doesn't mean you play timid, it means to play bold, and I don't see that. And you know what? Time's up," Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar told The Hill, insisting he would vote against Boehner, 64.
"I'm tired of the status quo of what's going on in Washington, D.C. America's tired, America's angry, and they're scared because they don't have leaders in Washington, D.C."
Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert, who was one of a dozen Republicans who voted against Boehner in 2013, told The Hill, "I'll give him every bit as much support as I did last time."
North Carolina Rep. Walter Jones also said he would vote against Boehner again.
Others refused to say whether they would back Boehner, including Iowa Rep. Steve King, though he told The Hill that "there have been a number of gatherings in the Capitol building and outside the Capitol building" about Boehner's leadership.
Efforts against Boehner do not appear to be coordinated, with different groups gathering separately.
Jones said he belongs to a group made up of a half-dozen lawmakers who meet every few weeks to hold anti-Boehner talks.
"There's a group of members who'd like to see a change in the leadership, and we believe sincerely there needs to be a new direction for the House," Jones told The Hill. "If you're gonna have a new direction, it starts at the top."
Boehner's team, meanwhile, maintains confidence that his position is safe on the back of accolades for his fundraising skills and ability to deliver a unified front on divisive policy issues.
In addition, no one has presented himself as a possible replacement, particularly after former Majority Leader Eric Cantor stepped down after his unexpected defeat in the Virginia GOP primary in June.
"The speaker is gratified by the strong support he has from members across our conference, and he's looking forward to what we can accomplish for the country in the years ahead," Boehner spokesman Kevin Smith told The Hill.
The election for speaker is expected to take place the week of Nov. 10.
Boehner would need the support of half the caucus plus one to get re-elected. Most observers do not think there is a credible candidate capable of capturing 50 percent of the vote to push the race into a second ballot.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.