Conservative Club for Growth PAC comes out against Stefanik to replace Cheney

The conservative organization Club for Growth on Wednesday came out against Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) as a replacement for Rep. Liz Cheney as House Republican Conference chairwoman.

“Elise Stefanik is NOT a good spokesperson for the House Republican Conference,” the group tweeted. “She is a liberal with a 35% CFGF lifetime rating, 4th worst in the House GOP. House Republicans should find a conservative to lead messaging and win back the House Majority.”

Elise Stefanik is NOT a good spokesperson for the House Republican Conference. She is a liberal with a 35% CFGF lifetime rating, 4th worst in the House GOP. House Republicans should find a conservative to lead messaging and win back the House Majority.

— Club for Growth (@club4growth) May 5, 2021

The group was referring to its own scoring system that it uses to grade federal lawmakers. Out of all GOP House members, Stefanik currently has a ranking of 197, placing her among the bottom five Republican lawmakers who have a score from the organization.

Cheney’s position as House Republican Conference chairwoman has been at risk ever since she voted in favor of impeaching former President Trump for inciting the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Multiple allies of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) have vowed to remove Cheney from power before the end of the month.

On Wednesday, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released a statement signaling his support for Stefanik to replace Cheney. Trump also voiced his support for Stefanik on Wednesday.

“Liz Cheney is a warmongering fool who has no business in Republican Party Leadership,” Trump said in a statement. “We want leaders who believe in the Make America Great Again movement, and prioritize the values of America First. Elise Stefanik is a far superior choice, and she has my COMPLETE and TOTAL Endorsement for GOP Conference Chair. Elise is a tough and smart communicator!”

However, some Republican figures have come to Cheney’s defense. Meghan McCain, co-host of “The View” and daughter of late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), promised that “there will be consequences” if Cheney is ousted.

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) defended Cheney in an interview with Politico published on Wednesday.

“Any elected official should stand their ground. If you feel firmly about something, you should stand your ground,” Ernst said. “But I also believe that we need to come together as a party, recognize we have differences within the party but the goal with us should be to win seats.”