Posted on 05/03/2014 3:51:39 PM PDT by cotton1706
WASHINGTON —
After more than two years of trying to accommodate arch conservative lawmakers and organizations in Washington, House Speaker John Boehner appears to have declared his independence.
As he faces a challenge Tuesday from tea party conservatives in the Republican primary, Boehner, R-West Chester Twp., seems to delight in aiming a barb here and a blast there at those who constantly talk about trying to depose him after the November election.
Just last month in a speech in Middletown, Boehner referred to the conservative pressure on House GOP lawmakers to oppose an overhaul of the nation’s immigration system. Declaring that “we get elected to make choices,’’ Boehner complained in a mocking tone that many Republicans are saying, “Ohhh, don’t make me do this.’’
Last year as he attempted to nudge House Republicans toward a budget compromise that would cut the deficit by $23 billion, Boehner assailed as “ridiculous” complaints from independent conservative groups such as Heritage Action and Freedom Works before the deal had been made public.
The barbs have hit their mark. Tea party groups have launched multiple “Fire Boehner” websites and one of Boehner’s primary opponents — J.D. Winteregg of Troy — has the backing of the Tea Party Leadership Fund PAC, which has spent more than $300,000 either on pro-Winteregg or anti-Boehner advertisements.
“You can’t swing a dead cat without reading a story about some conservative saying they want to take Boehner out,” said former Republican congressman Steve LaTourette of Bainbridge Twp.
(Excerpt) Read more at daytondailynews.com ...
It would be really nice to have a conservative in that seat. Although I do have to wonder what kind of damage this guy will do if he looses the primary.
Boner has been a big disappointment to me. I actually thought when he first hit the headlines he might be POTUS material!
However has turned into a skunk! Get the fool outta here!
The very fact that there are at least four challengers in this race to Boehner virtually assures a split vote so Boehner can win.
I strongly suspect the political machine designed a multi-candidate field to ensure Boehner’s victory.
Not a chance.
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With three challengers and no run off you are probably correct. One of
the challengers would have to get the vast majority of the opposing votes.
The conservatives in congress need to develop a back bone. Eric Cantor thinks he will be the next repub. leader in the house. Unless the conservatives stand tall and prevent this from happening we will just get more of the same.
Agreed that of he isn’t reelected maybe a message will be sent but I am not convinced the elites will understand it
All that really matters are the voters. Those who care enough to turn out to vote. Hopefully those who supported him in past will just stay home.
Anyone who believes the challenger has a chance in this primary is 100% delusional and has no understanding of politics. Actually, I am inclined to think they are low information voters.
The best way to defeat him would be to have true leaders in the House make a concerted effort to challenge him as speaker - they need to pick a potential heir and campaign quietly behind the scenes. It will take effort and complete discipline, which is why I don't think it will happen, but it is the only method to defeat our weak Speaker. Then, when a Speaker becomes a former Speaker, they almost always resign (Pelosi is an exception).
The odds of the above scenario happening is almost zero. Other legislators just don't want to expose themselves to retribution if they lose the Speakers vote, so I think you are looking at Boehner being voted as Speaker once again in January 2015.
Does anyone know if there has to be a run-off if no one gets 50% of the vote, or can one win with a plurality?
Does anyone know if there has to be a run-off if no one gets 50% of the vote, or can one win with a plurality?
There are no runoffs in Ohio, plurality wins. Only a few Southern states have runoffs.
Doesn’t really matter in this case, these are not competitive challengers to Boner, he will easily top 50%.
To have a chance at beating him what was needed was ONE well funded candidate.
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