According to a press release submitted to 1819 News on Sunday, "at least four members" of the Alabama Republican Party's executive committee are planning to file a ballot challenge against U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) for indicating a willingness to cooperate with U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
Rogers told reporters last week that House Republicans may be forced to broker a deal with Democrats because, assuming Democrats remain united, Republicans can only afford to lose four votes.
The 11-term incumbent has publicly rejected U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan's (R-Ohio) candidacy for House Speaker. Jordan won his party's nomination by defeating U.S. Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) by a 124-81 vote on Friday.
Ashley Hilburn, a member of the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) from St. Clair County and resident of the third congressional district, cited Rogers' willingness to work with Jeffries to "overturn the will" of the House GOP caucus as the justification for her challenge.
"It is critical that our Republican elected officials work together and represent the people who elected them," Hilburn said in the release. "Mike Rogers asking Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries what concessions he would need to overturn the will of the Republican caucus is completely unacceptable and unrepublican. You cannot be a leader within the GOP and purposely undermine your fellow Republicans. The people of District 3 expect and deserve better."
"Mike Rogers' actions are divisive and hurt the Republican Party as a whole," she continued. "If he continues this reckless course, there needs to be consequences, and that's why I think the Republican Party needs to deny him ballot access as a Republican. If he wants to work with Democrats more than Republicans, [then] he needs to run as a Democrat."
Hilburn also questioned "Rogers' past conduct," referring to his on-floor incident involving U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) back in January during U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy's (R-Calif.) bid for Speaker.
ALGOP chairman John Wahl would not comment directly about a Rogers ballot challenge. However, he touted the need for party unity.
"The Alabama Republican Party takes all ballot challenges seriously, and we work hard to make sure all sides get a fair and respectful hearing," Wahl said in a response to 1819 News. "I always hope disagreements between Republicans can be resolved in a positive manner, especially in Washington D.C. We must stay united against the Biden administration and the socialist agenda that is destroying our country."
Rogers' office has not responded to queries from 1819 News about the ordeal.
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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