Hensarling doesn’t rule out run for Speaker

Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) on Monday repeatedly declined to rule out running for Speaker against Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) next year. 

The chairman of the House Financial Services Committee was quick to emphasize the unlikelihood of the possibility, however, comparing it to being asked to play drums with the band Led Zeppelin.

{mosads}”Well, if you’re asking me to be Shermanesque, you know, I’m not sure they would ever invite me to play drums with Led Zeppelin, but you know, I’m not going to say ‘no,’ just in case the invitation comes,” he said on Hugh Hewitt’s radio program. 

Hensarling said he would be happy to answer the question after the midterm elections, but said he does not find the media focus on the process useful. 

“And listen, if I could look you in the eye, I would tell you I’m spending somewhere between zero and a negative real number at the moment thinking about leadership races,” he said. 

After again vowing to wait until after November to decide what he can do to held advance the cause of “freedom and free enterprise,” Hensarling joked, “How’s that for an appropriate dodge of your question?”

Hensarling is the former chairman of the conservative Republican Study Committee. Last Congress, he was also elected chairman of the House Republican Caucus, the fourth ranking leadership position, but gave it up to head the Financial Services Committee. 

He has given more than $500,000 to fellow congressman this election cycle, an important indicator in leadership positions. However, some have said he did not enjoy his time in leadership. 

Boehner on Monday again confirmed he would run for reelection as Speaker next year but did not weigh in on whether he would serve out a full term. Hensarling said he was not surprised by Boehner’s answer. 

“Listen, that’s what the Speaker says,” he said. “I have no reason to doubt him. I’ve got to tell you, I know the press. There are lots of people who like to talk and write about Republican leadership races post-November. I don’t find it an exercise all that useful.”