Chaffetz prepares long-shot bid for House speaker

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Politico:

House Oversightand Government Affairs Chairman Jason Chaffetz is planning to run for House speaker, taking on Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy in what appears to be a long-shot bid to lead House Republicans, according to multiple sources.

 

The Utah Republican, first elected to Congress in 2008, is launching a campaign less than a week before the Oct. 8 leadership elections for the House GOP Conference. The date for a floor vote to pick the next speaker has not been set yet, but Thursday's conference vote will name the party's top contender for the post.

 

McCarthy (R-Calif.) is the overwhelming favorite to win, and it’s unclear at this time how many votes Chaffetz can garner.

 

But Chaffetz's bid could throw a wrench into the process. Some lawmakers have privately questioned whether McCarthy is a strong enough leader to unify an increasingly divided and unwieldy GOP caucus. Others on the far right want someone who's more conservative.

 

Still, it's a risky move for Chaffetz. Defectors who voted against Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) in past elections were stripped of prized committee posts. Though anyone is free to run against McCarthy — it's different than taking on an incumbent speaker — Chaffetz's decision complicates McCarthy's path and could drive a wedge between the two.

 

Chaffetz's office would not comment, but sources say he started reaching out to lawmakers Friday to notify them and gauge support.

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Le Resistance?