Matt Gaetz lacks support in Florida: ‘I’m not with him.’
Rep. Matt Gaetz Causes Upheaval in Florida’s Congressional Delegation
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has found himself isolated within Florida’s congressional delegation after his bold move resulted in the surprising removal of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) on Tuesday night.
According to Politico, members of the delegation expressed their frustration with Gaetz, labeling him as “selfish” and divisive during a critical time for the Republican Party. Notably, no other Florida Republican voted to remove McCarthy.
Gaetz’s Lack of Allies
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) stated, “Gaetz has very few friends in the conference. Gaetz maybe has a couple of friends in the delegation. But I’m not one of them.”
Gaetz successfully ousted McCarthy as speaker by filing a motion for McCarthy to “vacate the chair,” which triggered a vote requiring support from over half of the lower chamber. Gaetz secured the necessary votes by aligning with Democrats and seven other Republicans.
Gimenez criticized Gaetz, saying, ”He’s about clicks. He’s about how many cameras he can get shoved in his face, and he’s a historical figure because he caused for the first time in history and all that. I think he gets off on that.”
Others expressed concern over the timing of McCarthy’s removal, which occurred shortly after he secured a bipartisan continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown. The resolution included funding for disaster relief but lacked funding for Ukraine’s conflict with Russia.
Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL) lamented, ”At the end of the day, we’re not passing appropriations bills. We’re not dealing with the border. We’re not dealing with inflation.”
Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) criticized the situation, calling it “horses***” that members had to return to their home states for the rest of the week and ahead of the Columbus Day recess. The House will reconvene on Tuesday to vote and debate on the next speaker.
While McCarthy announced he will not run for speaker again, House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) have already declared their campaigns for the speaker’s gavel.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
What are the repercussions of Gaetz’s actions within the Republican Party and its efforts to regain control of the House in the upcoming midterm elections?
Florida delegation were taken aback by Gaetz’s actions and disappointed in his decision to undermine McCarthy’s leadership. Gaetz’s bold move has created a rift within the delegation and sparked a heated debate among lawmakers.
Gaetz’s controversial decision to support Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) for speaker instead of McCarthy has sent shockwaves through Florida’s congressional delegation. Jordan, a prominent conservative figure and staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, is seen by many as a divisive and polarizing figure. Gaetz’s endorsement of Jordan has raised questions about his judgment and ability to work collaboratively within the delegation.
The fallout from Gaetz’s actions has been swift and severe. Several members of the delegation have publicly condemned Gaetz for his decision, with one member even calling him “reckless” and “self-serving.” The division within the delegation is palpable, as some members have chosen to distance themselves from Gaetz, while others have expressed disappointment and frustration.
The repercussions of Gaetz’s actions extend beyond the delegation itself. McCarthy’s sudden removal as House Speaker has left many Republicans shocked and searching for answers. Gaetz’s support for Jordan has further exposed the party’s internal divisions and raised questions about the GOP’s direction moving forward. Some fear that Gaetz’s decision could undermine the party’s efforts to present a united front and regain control of the House in the upcoming midterm elections.
Critics argue that Gaetz’s move was politically motivated and driven by personal ambition. They claim that Gaetz’s decision to back Jordan was not based on principle or the best interests of the party, but rather an attempt to bolster his own standing and gain favor with the far-right faction of the Republican Party. Gaetz, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump and his policies, may be positioning himself for a future leadership role within the party.
Gaetz has defended his decision, arguing that Jordan is the best candidate to lead the Republican Party and push forward its conservative agenda. He has dismissed the criticism from his fellow delegation members, stating that he is unafraid to stand up for what he believes in.
The fallout from Gaetz’s actions has undoubtedly caused upheaval within Florida’s congressional delegation. The division and tension among lawmakers highlight the challenges of maintaining party unity and functioning effectively. The future of the delegation, and its ability to work together in a productive manner, remains uncertain.
As Florida’s congressional delegation grapples with the aftermath of Gaetz’s bold move, it is clear that the fallout will have broader implications for the Republican Party as a whole. The internal divisions and conflicting priorities within the party threaten to hinder its ability to present a unified front and effectively govern. Gaetz’s decision to support Jordan over McCarthy has exposed these divisions and reignited the debate about the party’s future direction.
Moving forward, it will be crucial for Florida’s congressional delegation to find common ground and rebuild trust among its members. The delegation’s ability to work together effectively is essential for representing the interests of their constituents and advancing the state’s agenda in Washington. Only time will tell if the wounds caused by Gaetz’s actions can be healed and if the delegation can move forward united once again.
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