http://thehill.com/homenews/house/228474-whip-list-boehner-for-speakerBy Scott Wong - 01/05/15 11:02 AM EST
A small but growing number of Republicans say they will vote Tuesday to deny John Boehner a third term as Speaker of the House.
But ousting a sitting Speaker is a difficult feat, and a group of a dozen defectors failed two years ago to depose Boehner, the powerful Ohio Republican.
Because the House GOP expanded its majority in the midterm elections, 29 Republicans would need to vote against Boehner to force a second ballot. Even then, it’s improbable that Boehner would relinquish the gavel and step aside without a drawn-out fight.
The Hill is keeping a running list on Republicans who are opposing Boehner. Here is where the count stands.
NO VOTES (9)
Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.)* — Challenging Boehner for Speaker.
Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas)* — Outspoken Boehner critic says he’ll run for Speaker.
Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.)* — Maverick lawmaker says he’ll back Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) for Speaker.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.)*
Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) — Hard-line opponent of immigration reform backed Boehner two years ago.
Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.)
Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.)* — Disapproved of how the $1.1 trillion spending bill was handled last month.
Rep. Dave Brat (R-Va.) — Freshman who knocked off House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) had said he’d support Boehner, but flipped this week.
Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.) — Stutzman loss Whip race to Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.). Bridenstine says he’s been told Stutzman will oppose Boehner.
POSSIBLE NO VOTES
Rep.-elect Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) — Freshman said he’d stand up to Boehner.
Rep.-elect Jody Hice (R-Ga.) — Expressed dissent against Boehner when the House GOP conference held its leadership elections in November.
Rep.-elect John Ratcliffe (R-Texas)
Rep.-elect Gary Palmer (R-Ala.) — Stated on the campaign trail that he'd vote against Boehner for Speaker. However, Palmer later said he regretted that pledge “to a certain extent” because it might threaten his ability to secure preferred committee assignments.
Rep. Steve Pearce (R-N.M.)* — Pearce voted against Boehner in 2013, but is undecided this time.
*Voted against Boehner for Speaker in January, 2013 floor vote.
