Posted on 09/06/2015 5:20:32 AM PDT by cotton1706
When someone challenges the Speaker of the House (by a technical procedure known as declaring the office of the speakership "vacant"), usually the leadership holds what is basically a vote of confidence immediately to show that a majority of the members still support the Speaker. Otherwise it raises doubts about whether the Speaker still has the support of the majority of the members.
But that's not what happened when Rep. Mark Meadows declared the office of the speaker vacant in late July in protest against the accomodationist policies of Speaker John Boehner. The House didn't hold any kind of vote at all, and the delay is telling.
So it looks like Boehner will need Democratic support to stay as Speaker, which would be unprecedented. That means Boehner would be at Nancy Pelosi's mercy. She could demand anything from him and likely get it.
Of course, she is already getting most of what she wants. Boehner has passed spending bills fully funding Obamacare. He has fully funded Obama's illegal amnesty. He has fully funded Planned Parenthood, and the Export-Import Bank. He has refused to set up any select committees to investigate Obama. He has been cooperative on Obamatrade and the Iran deal and many other issues. It's not clear what else she could demand of him, but it seems from here out that Boehner will be her hostage. And I suspect we'll see a lot more of this.
Exit question: Will Republicans tolerate a situation where the Republican Speaker is only speaker by virtue of Democratic votes?
(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...
While I love trying new alcohol and beer, that's something I'd never do.
"There is apparently no limit to the number of times declaring the office of the speakership vacant can be done. So if by some chance the weeping cheetoh survives by teaming up with the witch, a vote can be called the next week and the week after that until such time as he is tossed out.""
Good thinking!
Did she pepper spray him??
I think the fastest way to get rid of Boehner is for the tea party caucus to switch parties so Pelosi automatically becomes the speaker. Then tell the Republican leadership you will only switch back if Boehner is not the speaker. It forces all of the establishment that want their committee leadership perks to vote against him if they want their positions back. As it is, Boehner will win a no confidence vote because he can twist arms.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.