Last Updated: 2:56 p.m.
Congressional Republicans convened at noon today to try to elect a speaker of the House of Representatives after presumptive favorite Kevin McCarthy of California failed to win a majority in three roll call votes on the first day of the 118th Congress — and Floridians are very much in the mix.
They failed again in the first and second votes of the day, with more expected.
Matt Gaetz of Fort Walton Beach, Anna Tuesday Paulina Luna of St. Petersburg, and Byron Donalds of Naples joined 17 other conservative GOP members on Tuesday, and again in today’s first two rounds, to oppose McCarthy from taking the top job in the House.
Gaetz and Luna opposed him in the first two roll call votes and Donalds joined them in the third and final vote on Tuesday. Mike Waltz, whose district includes Flagler County, has voted for McCarthy every time.
In Wednesday’s first two votes, the rebels switched from Jordan to voting for Donalds, who got 20 votes each time.
McCarthy’s critics have mentioned a number of reasons why they oppose his speakership. Gaetz specifically has criticized McCarthy for not blocking Democrats from passing budget bills and not doing more to hold accountable government officials who opposed former President Donald Trump.
Their opposition is infuriating some of their own Florida GOP colleagues, such as Congressman Michael Waltz of North Central Florida, who tweeted this morning: “The Republican agenda is being held hostage. We must UNITE behind McCarthy & get to work.”
After the first roll call vote for McCarthy fell short, Gaetz nominated Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan to become the next speaker. However, Jordan supports McCarthy. Waltz tweeted this morning, “I spoke with Rep. Jordan last night and he confirmed with me that he doesn’t want to be Speaker of the House. He wants to take on Big Tech & FBI reform. Let’s get to work!”
Gaetz has been the most outspoken Florida Republican against McCarthy, going as far as to write to the head of the federal agency responsible for operations at the Capitol on Tuesday to ask how long McCarthy would be allowed to occupy the Speaker’s Office.
Squatter?
“What is the basis in law, House rule, or precedent to allow someone who has placed second in three successive speaker elections to occupy the Speaker of the House Office? How long will he remain there before he is considered a squatter?” Gaetz wrote in his letter to Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton.
Another McCarthy supporter is former President Trump, who wrote today on his Truth Social account that it was time for Republican House members to “VOTE FOR KEVIN.”
“Kevin McCarthy will do a good job, and maybe even a GREAT JOB — JUST WATCH!” Trump wrote.
In response, Gaetz tweeted this morning that Trump’s support for McCarthy “is the worst Human Resources decision President Trump has ever made. Sad!”
Donalds told the National Desk (a daily news program produced by the Sinclair Broadcasting Group) Wednesday morning that the protracted debate in the Republican caucus was actually “very healthy,” but he could not name an alternative House Republican candidate who could get the 218 votes required to lead in the House of Representatives, where Republicans have just a 10-member advantage, 222-212.
“What it demonstrates is that Republicans actually take leadership seriously,” Donalds said about the battle for House Speaker. “It’s not something that’s just tossed around quickly for a quick deal and a handshake. It’s something that we’re going to have that dialogue because at the end of the day it’s about representing the voters who sent us here. It’s about getting America back on track.”
–Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix, and FlaglerLive
Jeannie Benson says
Gaetz will not get my vote next time around. You are there to serve the people who voted for you, not play games with our lives.
Popcorn Time says
Well America, this is the clown show you voted for nLol. They look like a bunch of putzes. I cannot WAIT until the Republicans eat their own. Hahaha.
DaleL says
Perhaps, just a thought, the rational Democrats and rational Republicans could get together and leave their respective “squad” and “freedom caucus” out of this entirely. Perhaps they could reach an agreement/deal and strike a bargain as to who should be Speaker?
Based on the results of the 2022 midterm election, neither party has a mandate. Republicans narrowly “control” the House and Democrats very narrowly “control” the Senate. Both parties should compromise. No big government spending programs by the Democrats and no big tax cuts for the wealthy by the Republicans. Above all, they should just do their jobs!
Dennis C Rathsam says
Thank God for the Fl GOP….. We already had 1 speaker of the house from California…What a schmuk she turned out to be! We dont need another ass kisser!!! California wino.
Lee says
No one should be surprised Republicans can’t govern. This is the same party that on January 6 tried to reverse the voters choice. They can’t strike a deal because neither side has an agenda. To suggest Democrats should bail them out is ludicrous. Hakeem Jeffries had led in every vote, there is the deal. Elect Congressman Jeffries. We know he isn’t pro Putin and he belongs to a party that has the ability to govern.
Atwm says
Think they will vote for him. I’m loving this clown show now. Love it when white Repubs give us a free clown show. A few years ago the insurrection, now they will not vote for McCarthy, I am loving it. Love to see Repubs act like the immature people they are. Guess what most of them are white men, o God I love this, what a great New Year present. Just love it. White grown people acting like undecisive childeren just love it.
Deborah Coffey says
I think a history lesson for you might be in order. And, maybe an anger management course.
DMFinFlorida says
@DaleL … stop sounding rational. You’ll frighten the locals … oh wait, bi-partisan compromises. What a concept! (Please observe my use of the sarcasm font LOL)
Jeannie Benson says
Also, why are congress elect that have never served and have not been sworn in ever being allowed to vote?
Mary Jane Allen says
I would love to send all 20 republicans packing! FIRE their asses! Making fools out of everyone who worked so hard to win the house!!! We are the laughing stock of the WORLD!! This should have been taken care of before the third of Jan.! I’m through being a Republican!