House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) announced his candidacy for Speaker of the House Monday, just days after John Boehner said he plans to resign the seat next month.
McCarthy has been hailed as a likely successor for Boehner, who announced he would leave Congress on Friday. The five-term congressman is the fastest-rising party leader in at least a century, according to the Washington Post.
The same Tea Partiers who cheered Boehner’s demise are likely to prove a challenge for McCarthy, whose leadership record places him firmly among the more moderate members of the party.
He tweeted about the decision:
After hearing from my colleagues, I have decided to run for Speaker of the House. Let’s work together to make a difference for our country.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) September 28, 2015
I am running for Speaker to work with my colleagues and make the case to the American people for conservative principles.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) September 28, 2015
I am running for Speaker because I know the People’s House works best when leadership listens to Members & respects the legislative process.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) September 28, 2015
This story has been updated.
Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy Announces Candidacy For House Speaker
McCarthy is a “moderate” Republican which means he would feel at home as part of Attila the Hun’s gang. He isn’t a Crazy Caucus member so you can count on them making his life miserable. Some suggest that he will be a lame duck the moment he is elevated. I don’t think so. There are still more “moderates” than crazies. The moderates will win any up and down vote and the Crazies don’t have any members with leadership skills. .
McCarthy and McConnell? Apparently, Republicans believe that having both chambers of Congress run by Scotsmen to be a plus.
One can only speculate if they are “True Scotsmen.”
He could best make a difference by going back to Bakersfield and engaging in a new profession as a dust salesman.