Jacob Ogles
As the fight for Speaker of the House enters yet another phase, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is once again in the running. The Naples Republican dropped out of the contest Tuesday after placing third on multiple ballots in the GOP conference. But it didn’t take long to realize the fight was not over.
Majority Whip Tom Emmer secured the most support from the GOP conference during Tuesday’s voting. But Emmer dropped out once he realized there were enough GOP defectors to deny him a majority on the House floor.
That prompted House leaders to open up the Speaker race again. GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik announced six candidates filed before a 5:30 p.m. deadline.
Donalds, like most of the caucus, had agreed at the end of the conference to support Emmer on the floor. However, 26 Republicans refused to do so. That included U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, a Winter Park Republican who maintained support for Donalds, and Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican who voted present instead of backing any candidate.
But Emmer’s chances seemed immolated after former President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social account that he did not trust Emmer.
“I have many wonderful friends wanting to be Speaker of the House, and some are truly great Warriors,” Trump posted. “RINO Tom Emmer, who I do not know well, is not one of them. He never respected the Power of a Trump Endorsement, or the breadth and scope of MAGA — MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Donalds had rallied much of the Florida delegation behind his candidacy, picking up endorsements from eight of Florida’s 20 Republican representatives.
But now he heads into another GOP Conference meeting as an underdog. Candidates will speak to members at a 6 p.m. forum.
Donalds at the start of the day was one of eight candidates for Speaker. Over a series of votes, he consistently came in behind Emmer and House Republican Vice Chair Mike Johnson. Rather than going through a fifth ballot with just three candidates, Donalds dropped out of the race.
Johnson has once again announced he is running for Speaker. Other candidates include U.S. Reps. Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee, Mark Green of Tennessee, Kevin Hern of Oklahoma and Roger Williams of Texas.
7 comments
PeterH
October 24, 2023 at 6:15 pm
Elect a Trump MAGA Speaker expect more House intransigence! If Republicans vote for Donald’s ….. it shows that the GQP isn’t ready to put Trump’s failed policies, positions and divisive agenda behind them!
Republicans are America’s worst enemy!
Vote all Republicans out of office!
My Take
October 24, 2023 at 6:22 pm
Like a bad penny . . .
Alexandra Zakhvatayev
October 24, 2023 at 6:40 pm
I’m very concerned about the wars building up abroad. We need someone who understands National Security and its critical importance. We have our own southern borders to worry about, not to mention a foreign aid package to Israel and Ukraine that needs to get sent.
Byron Donalds has proven to politicize this critical aid. He has not once been able to explain to us back home, why its important. We dont’ need a Speaker who has habitually failed to articulate or even understand vital national security interests. It saddens me to say this about my own Congressman, but he failed US. He’s not a great communicator. He’s a failure.
Do not let Gaetz and Trump succeed in their plan by installing Disconnected Donalds as spox.
Vote CHUCK FLEISHCHMANN
PeterH
October 24, 2023 at 7:10 pm
Fleischmann Is a traitor to the US Constitution. He shouldn’t be in the House. He should face disbarment. He’s one of 126 House Republicans who, without any proof, signed a brief that stated the 2020 was fraudulent. I agree with you that Donalds is a worse choice.
Alexandra Zakhvatayev
October 24, 2023 at 7:49 pm
I retract support for Chuck Fleischman.
Earl Pitts "America's BIG VOICE on The Right" American
October 24, 2023 at 8:37 pm
Good evening Dook 4 Brains Leftys,
Still its si very fun to watch y’all Dook 4 Brains White Leftists struggeling to disrespect Donaldson …. while taking into account that Donaldson is a Black Man …. while wanting so bad to unload your go-to-hate-speach on Donaldson …. while not going too far to be called a raciest …. and its driving y’all out of your hater brains …. and yes its really fun to watch you honkies.
Thank you for the free entertainment,
Earl Pitts American
rick whitaker
October 24, 2023 at 9:46 pm
WARNING ⚠ TROLL COMMENT FROM EARL SHITTS
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