U.S. Reps. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) and Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) voiced their support on Friday for Freedom Caucus co-founder Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) to become the new Speaker of the House.
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), a longtime critic of the conservative Freedom Caucus, is yet to respond to multiple requests for comment about the speaker race from 1819 News.
Republicans nominated Jordan over U.S. Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) on Friday to fill the position formerly held by U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), whom members of the House voted out earlier this month. Jordan is the second Republican nominated for speaker this week, following Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), who abandoned his bid on Thursday.
“Jim Jordan is the strong conservative voice we need to unite the Republican Conference at this time,” Palmer said in a statement. “Jim’s record as a conservative is unquestioned, but his ability to work with all members to unite our party and get things done is what sets him apart as especially qualified to be Speaker at this critical time.”
“Today is the day to unite and elect [Jordan],” said Moore on Twitter. “He is a strong leader with a proven track record of getting wins for the American people, which is exactly what our country needs in a time of crisis at home and afar.”
1819 News reached out to a spokesperson for Rogers’ office Twice on Friday and received no response.
Nevertheless, according to Fox News Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram, Rogers vowed not to vote for Jordan “under any circumstances.”
Rogers, who currently serves as the chair of the Armed Services Committee, had to be held back after an intense exchange between McCarthy and Freedom Caucus member Matt Gaetz during the last battle to elect a Speaker of the House in January. At the time, Rogers was a staunch supporter of McCarthy.
According to NBC News’s Sahil Kapur, Rogers called the Republicans who voted against McCarthy “traitors” and suggested Democrats must help elect a speaker.
Currently, House Democrats are behind Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email will.blakely@1819news.com or find him on Twitter and Facebook.
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