Title: Gaetz and Burchett Reflect on Ousting McCarthy, Praise New Speaker Nominee Johnson
Date: [Date]
Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) have expressed their satisfaction with the decision to remove former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from his position earlier this month, stating that the move was worth it to elevate Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) as the new Speaker nominee.
Gaetz, speaking to reporters, emphasized the value of having Johnson in the top post, stating, “To everyone who said I didn’t have a plan: this guy has been sitting next to me for seven years on the House Judiciary Committee. I hope my mentorship has rubbed off.” Gaetz commended Johnson as a “transformational leader” who is widely respected within the caucus, personally vouching for his integrity and commitment to doing what is right for the country.
Burchett echoed Gaetz’s sentiments, declaring that ousting McCarthy was “absolutely worth it.” He considered Johnson a “dark horse” in the Speaker’s race and expressed confidence that Johnson’s leadership could bring victory for the party and the nation. Burchett described Johnson as a “very decent person,” indicating his admiration for the nominee.
Both Gaetz and Burchett were among the eight Republicans who joined forces with Democrats to remove McCarthy from his position over three weeks ago. Since then, the House GOP has faced challenges in rallying behind a single candidate for Speaker.
However, House Republicans are now displaying optimism that Johnson can secure the necessary 217 votes to win the Speaker position. Johnson became the second nominee of the GOP for the day following House Majority Whip Tom Emmer’s withdrawal amidst opposition from within the party. The conference had previously abandoned Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) after he failed three House floor votes.
While Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) was the initial nominee, he withdrew from the race after it became clear that he could not gather sufficient support.
With Johnson emerging as a potential unifying candidate, House Republicans hold hope for a successful outcome in the Speaker nomination.
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Note: The article includes contributions from Mychael Schnell.
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