John Boehner resignation sparks GOP brawling

“We need a Speaker of the House who carries in his bones the conviction of our oath”, the conservative Republican said. President Barack Obama and two former presidents were among those who spoke out after Boehner revealed his plans. “It’s become clear to me that the prolonged leadership turmoil would do irreparable harm to the institution”.

In his statement, Pitts thanked the departing speaker “for his service to our country, said Boehner had helped save taxpayers $3 trillion, “made Medicare more dependable for seniors, and passed a dozen bills for veterans”.

Now some eight months later – after Boehner announced Friday he would leave Congress – the reactions from King and Blum were far from gleeful that their nemesis finally had been dethroned. Costa also believes McCarthy is a likely choice, but notes, “He’s got the inside track but I think the very extreme conservative wing will attempt to mount a challenge. I don’t know how he got there initially”.

Boehner and Cantor led the House GOP as imperfect allies, with Cantor sometimes positioning himself a tad to the departing Speaker’s right.

“He is proud of what this majority has accomplished, and his speakership, but for the good of the Republican Conference and the institution, he will resign the speakership and his seat in Congress, effective October. 30”, the aide added.

It is uncertain who will succeed Boehner, but McCarthy, a genial Californian who was first elected to Congress in 2006, is the most obvious candidate.

“You know, I think everybody was surprised by it”, said Rep. John Katko, who represents New York’s 24th Congressional District.

“The real question for me is how the speaker will spend these next few weeks, particularly this week, using his influence, and my hope is that his priority will be keeping the government open”, Wyden said.

Whoever follows Boehner as the next Speaker will have to work with the warring Republicans and Democrats in December when financial matters must be decided, The Detroit Free Press reported. Boehner said he had planned to announce it on his 66th birthday, November 17.

A recent GOP push to defund Planned Parenthood, even if it means shutting down the federal government next week, was only the latest case of Boehner adopting a less conservative position than party hardliners wanted. “And I told him I’d sleep on it”, Boehner said at a news conference where he walked to the podium singing, “What a wonderful day”.

As John Boehner stood next to Pope Francis on the porch of the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, the House Speaker’s contorted, tear-covered face suggested something more than his usual emotion.