Conservative activist Richard Viguerie told Newsmax on Wednesday that "conservatives are white-hot with anger" — and that's why some Republicans are seeking to thwart House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy's chances at becoming Speaker of the House.
"People are furious — and they want changes," Viguerie, the chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, told "Newsmax Prime" host J.D. Hayworth on
Newsmax TV. "We don't want this business-as-usual mentality, as the Republicans have been practicing for so long."
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The House Freedom Caucus, a group of about 40 Republicans,
said they support Florida Rep. Daniel Webster as speaker over McCarthy, who became No. 2 last year after Eric Cantor was defeated in a Virginia primary election by newcomer Dave Brat.
The 248 members of the House Republican Conference plan to choose a nominee Thursday — and McCarthy is expected to win that vote.
However, the full House, including Democrats, is set to vote for speaker on Oct. 29, and the Freedom Caucus’ backing could be pivotal in the final tally.
"Not at all is he a lock," Viguerie told Hayworth of McCarthy. "The Republican leaders in the House and the Senate have gone mute for years now.
"People like the grassroots are white-hot with anger for the lack of leadership."
Former Illinois Rep. Michael Flanagan agreed, but cautioned that the House needed a leader "who's going to try and move legislation and get it forward," like Speaker John Boehner, who's vacating Congress at the end of the month.
"What you have a lot on the Hill are a whole bunch of guys who would make great speakers who wouldn't have anything to do with the job if their lives depended on it."
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