Last week, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) reportedly threatened to lead a charge to make an unprecedented move and work with his Democratic Party counterparts to elect a new House Speaker.
The reports instigated threats from Alabama Republican Party members to challenge Rogers' ballot access for the 2024 Republican primary.
However, earlier this week, Rogers put those concerns to rest by endorsing U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio).
"I was proud to support conservative leader Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House. America spoke last November — Republicans are in the majority in the House and we should elect a Republican Speaker with Republican votes," Rogers said in a statement provided to 1819 News on Friday. "I am and have always been strongly opposed to any attempt to form a coalition government with Democratic support."
According to Rogers' communications director Carrie Cole, earlier reports suggesting that Rogers was willing to work with House Minority Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) were incorrect.
"Any storyline stating that Rogers was or is actively working with Democrats to elect a compromise Speaker is categorically false," Cole said to 1819 News. "Rogers made comments last week in frustration following a GOP meeting that were carried far and wide and misconstrued. There was never any intent on the part of Congressman Rogers to convey that he would help elect anyone but a conservative Republican for Speaker."
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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