Republican Lawmaker Receives Death Threats After Changing Support for House Speaker
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) revealed that she has been targeted with “credible death threats” and a “barrage of threatening calls” following her decision to withdraw support for Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) during the second House speaker ballot. Miller-Meeks, along with three other House Republicans, initially voted for Jordan but later switched their support.
In a statement, Miller-Meeks described the threats and harassment she faced and assured that her office is cooperating with law enforcement. She emphasized that the proper authorities have been notified.
The Iowa Republican representative ultimately voted for Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) as House Speaker, citing Granger’s “great leadership” as the chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee.
“I cannot support a bully,” Miller-Meeks stated firmly. “I did not tolerate bullies when I voted for Chairwoman Granger or when I initially voted for Speaker-designate Jordan, and I will not yield to bullies now.”
Miller-Meeks explained that it became evident during the roll call vote that Jordan did not have the necessary 217 votes to secure the speaker role.
“Considering my concerns and the speaker-designate’s ability to unify the conference, I voted in favor of Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Kay Granger for Speaker of the House,” Miller-Meeks clarified.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) talks to reporters as he heads from his office in the Rayburn House Office Building to the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Oct. 18, 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Responding to the reported threats, Jordan condemned them as “abhorrent” and emphasized the importance of unity and respect among Americans.
A total of six Republicans changed their votes for Jordan during the second ballot, with four, including Miller-Meeks, withdrawing their support after initially backing him.
Despite receiving 199 votes, Jordan fell short of the required 217 votes for victory, with 22 Republicans voting against him.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) received 212 votes, and the remaining 22 votes were divided among other candidates.
Miller-Meeks acknowledged the potential backlash for her decision to vote against Jordan, stating, “I respected Jim enough to vote for him [on Tuesday], knowing he did not have the votes to be elected. We have received numerous calls urging me to support Jim Jordan, but many others have also urged me to seek a conservative consensus candidate.”
Asserting the need for a consensus candidate within the Republican Party, Miller-Meeks stood by her choice, emphasizing the importance of effective House work, support for Israel, and opposition to the policies of the Biden administration.
Politico reported that anonymous messages and calls were also directed at the wife of Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), urging her to convince Mr. Bacon to vote for Mr. Jordan, whom he continued to oppose.
The House has been at a standstill since the removal of Mr. McCarthy as speaker, and many lawmakers are advocating for expanded powers for Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Patrick McHenry to resume some House functions.
The next speaker vote is scheduled for Thursday.
What actions should be taken to address the issue of threats and harassment towards elected officials
Tee Chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, U.S., July 29, 2020. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Miller-Meeks’ decision to withdraw her support for Rep. Jim Jordan sparked intense backlash, leading to a stream of threatening phone calls and messages directed towards her. This incident sheds light on the disturbing reality of the dangers faced by public officials who find themselves at odds with their party or its supporters.
It is unacceptable that Miller-Meeks, a duly elected representative, has been subjected to such harassment and threats as a result of voicing her opinion and exercising her judgment. This type of behavior not only undermines the principles of democracy but also poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of our elected officials.
Political disagreements are a natural part of any democracy, and it is crucial that they are expressed and debated in a civilized manner. Threatening and harassing individuals for taking a principled stance is not only morally wrong, but it also undermines the democratic process itself.
It is commendable that Miller-Meeks and her office are working closely with law enforcement to ensure her safety and to identify the individuals responsible for these threats. Swift and decisive action must be taken to hold these individuals accountable for their actions and to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Furthermore, it is essential for political leaders of all parties to condemn this type of intimidation and stand in solidarity with their colleague. Publicly expressing support for Miller-Meeks and denouncing the threats she has received will send a
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