Republicans pick Tom Emmer as their nominee for House speaker as they try for a third time

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Republicans have selected Rep. Tom Emmer as their nominee for House Speaker in a bid to restore order to Congress. Emmer, currently serving as the GOP Whip and the most senior candidate, emerged as the top choice in a private ballot among a diverse group of mostly lesser-known congressmen vying for the influential position of House Speaker, which is second in line to the presidency.

However, it’s worth noting that securing the gavel is no straightforward task. Emmer, hailing from Minnesota, clinched a simple majority of support behind closed doors but will require the backing of the majority of Republicans during a House floor vote to assume the role.

This development comes three weeks after the removal of Kevin McCarthy from the position of House Speaker. The new Speaker faces the daunting challenge of uniting the GOP majority, a task that appears increasingly complex given the diverse array of candidates in the running.

“We’re going to have to figure out how to get our act together — I mean, big boys and big girls have got to quit making excuses and we just got to get it done,” remarked Rep. Dusty Johnson, a conservative caucus leader.

Emmer, a lawyer known for his no-nonsense approach, sought the support of former President Donald Trump and gradually gained ground over the course of five ballots. Running a close second was Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, a constitutional law expert, who directly challenged Emmer in the fifth round of the private ballot.

Meanwhile, some candidates, including Rep. Byron Donalds, a prominent Trump supporter, and Rep. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, a conservative leader, withdrew from the race. The list of contenders continued to thin as Reps. Austin Scott of Georgia, Jack Bergman of Michigan, Pete Sessions of Texas, Gary Palmer of Alabama, and Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania also exited the competition.

This ongoing turmoil in the House has left the Speaker position vacant, creating a governance crisis that is impeding the normal functioning of Congress. The federal government faces a potential shutdown if funding legislation isn’t passed by the November 17 deadline, with immediate concerns such as President Joe Biden’s request for $105 billion in aid and the expiration of federal aviation and farming programs looming large.

Notably, the candidates running for Speaker largely consist of conservatives who either voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election results or challenged them in court. Some Democrats have considered Rep. Emmer as a potential partner for governing the House, but divisions persist, with hardliners critical of his support for a same-sex marriage initiative and perceived criticisms of former President Trump.

In the midst of this political tussle, former President Trump has downplayed Rep. Emmer, with whom he has had a contentious relationship, while positioning himself as a decisive influence on the congressional landscape.

Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, a prominent hard-right figure, has endorsed several other candidates, such as Hern, Donalds, or Johnson, as “phenomenal” choices for Speaker. However, they face resistance from hardliners who object to the budget deal that Rep. Emmer and others voted for, setting federal spending levels that far-right Republicans seek to amend.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has emphasized her desire for candidates who would pursue impeachment inquiries into President Biden and other high-ranking Cabinet officials.

Amid this congressional turmoil, Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., currently serving as the nominal interim Speaker pro tempore, holds the responsibility of electing a more permanent Speaker. Some lawmakers from both parties are calling for granting McHenry more authority to facilitate routine governance. However, McHenry, in this unique position created after the 9/11 attacks, has declined to endorse such overtures.

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More about House Speaker Nominee

• Tom Emmer
• Kevin McCarthy Ousted
• House Speaker’s Role
• Governing Crisis
• 2020 Election Results
• Former President Trump’s Influence
• Policy Issues
• Rep. Patrick McHenry
• Federal Government Shutdown