2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumConservatives Want to Oust John Boehner, But Have No Clue How
It seems like every time the House leadership crosses the right wing of the Republican conference, rank-and-file conservatives respond by contemplating a coup to deny John Boehner the speakership next year.
A few days ago, leaders did an end run around the hardliners to jam a Medicare "doc fix" bill through the House. Now the hardliners are furious. And thanks to Tim Alberta's latest piece for National Journal, we know that they're being more public about a still-marinating plan to oust Boehner in January.
From my own reporting, I can confirm that these conversations are ongoing, and not even particularly hushed. I can also confirm that the rebel faction (such as it is) hasn't found an heir apparent. It's not even clear anyone who could feasibly be an heir apparent would want to participate in the rebellion. That doesn't mean a dedicated group of disaffected conservatives couldn't deny Boehner the speakership. But without a prospective replacement, it's the kind of bluff Boehner could probably call if he wanted to.
If you'd like a detailed explanation of the speakership election, the Congressional Research Service has you covered. The short version is that a speaker-hopeful needs to win a majority of voting members to actually claim the gavel. And given the GOP's fairly narrow margin in the House right now (a margin that will presumably remain narrow after the election) it wouldn't take many dissidents to deny Boehner a majority.
http://www.newrepublic.com/article/117331/john-boehners-speakership-safe-until-credible-challenger-emerges?utm_content=4931615&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
Gothmog
(145,231 posts)They really have no choice but to support Boehner if the vote is close. Otherwise, there is no real mechanism for these idiots to force Boehner out
rocktivity
(44,576 posts)And I'm willing to bet that most of them are with the Tea Party. Besides, I remember a similiar coup attempt against Newt Gingrich.
rocktivity
TlalocW
(15,382 posts)Clear out his office liquor cabinet. When he gets the DTs (should take 45 minutes) and has to go to the hospital, change his office locks.
TlalocW
MindMover
(5,016 posts)demigoddess
(6,641 posts)SummerSnow
(12,608 posts)Wounded Bear
(58,654 posts)and I know it probably can't happen, though legally, I think it is remotely possible.
It would be cool if a split in the Repub caucus could result in a Dem Speaker, even if we don't win the House.
I'd really if that happened.
tech3149
(4,452 posts)I'm sorry that was cruel and not entirely accurate. In the last 30 or so years they haven't done anything that was not dishonest or self-serving.
AlinPA
(15,071 posts)LiberalFighter
(50,928 posts)is to elect more Democrats to the House.