Issa considering running for Speaker
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), the former chairman of the House Oversight Committee, is considering a bid for Speaker, a source close to the congressman told The Hill.
“There is no definitive decision that’s been made, but it’s certainly being talked about. All options are on the table,” the source said.
{mosads}Issa is slated to appear on a pair of morning shows on Friday — MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
His entrance into the race for the top leadership spot would come on the heels of Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s (R-Calif.) decision drop out of the Speaker’s race Thursday, despite being the favorite.
“Kevin McCarthy demonstrated the character of a true leader by taking a step back and putting the interests of our Conference ahead of his own. He remains our Leader and maintains the respect and confidence of his colleagues,” Issa said in a statement Thursday.
“Now, it’s incumbent upon us to have a robust conversation about the direction and future of our party. I pledge to play a constructive role in that discussion and hope my colleagues will do the same as we work to choose a Speaker who best represents the values and aspirations of the American people,” he added.
News that Issa was considering a Speaker bid was first reported by IJReview.
Issa, who served in an often-combative, high-profile position as chairman of the House Oversight Committee until early this year, would join Reps. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) and Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) as the remaining declared candidates for the position. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) is also heavily rumored to be considering a bid.
In 2006, Issa made a push to become chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, the fifth-ranking post for House Republicans. He was beat back by then-Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) by a margin of more than 2 to 1.
– Updated at 8:59 p.m.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed..
