The man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf course in September filed a motion requesting the judge recuse herself from the case.
Ryan Routh’s legal team raised concerns about Judge Aileen Cannon’s impartiality due to her appointment by Trump and the former president’s public praise of her judicial decisions regarding his classified documents case, according to the motion.
Routh’s attorneys argued that the unique nature of the case could lead the public to question the fairness of the proceedings.
“Mr. Trump is the current Republican candidate for President in next month’s election. On the campaign trail, he has repeatedly praised Your Honor for her rulings in his case,” the motion stated. “By repeatedly and publicly praising this Court by name for its rulings in his case, Mr. Trump has arguably bolstered the perception that the Court is partial in his favor. Moreover, were Mr. Trump to become President again in the future, he would be in a position to nominate Your Honor to a vacancy on a higher appellate court, including the U.S. Supreme Court.”
The defense highlighted the potential conflict of interest, given Trump’s role as the alleged victim in this case.
“As the alleged victim here, he has a significant stake in the outcome of this case too. Were he to become President in the future, he would have authority to nominate Your Honor to a federal judgeship on a higher court were a vacancy to arise.”
Cannon previously granted former Trump’s motion to dismiss the classified documents case in July, siding with his argument that Special Counsel Jack Smith’s appointment was unconstitutional.
By Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America - Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., CC BY-SA 2.0,
Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki is pushing back on growing calls within her own party to invoke the 25th Amendment against President Donald Trump, as some Democrats continue raising concerns about his mental fitness.
Psaki, now an MSNBC host, argued that focusing on removing Trump through the constitutional provision is both unrealistic and politically counterproductive.
Speaking on Stephen A. Smith’s show Straight Shooter, Psaki acknowledged frustration on the left but questioned the value of repeatedly invoking the 25th Amendment.
“I think there are times — and I can’t speak for everybody on the left, I don’t agree with everything everybody says on the left either — you know, sometimes it’s just not constructive,” Psaki said. “I mean, you’ve talked about the 25th Amendment. I have no issue with people saying they’re for invoking the 25th Amendment, but it’s not going to happen. So it’s like, why are we spending so much time, you know?”
Her comments come as some Democratic lawmakers continue to escalate concerns about Trump’s behavior, including Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), who directly confronted Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a House hearing on Friday.
During the House Education and Workforce Committee session on the HHS budget, Takano displayed large posters of Trump’s Truth Social posts, including statements threatening to destroy the “whole civilization” of Iran, attacks on Pope Leo XIV, and an AI-generated image depicting Trump as Jesus Christ.
“Millions of Americans are questioning this president’s mental fitness, his emotional stability, and whether he can carry out the duties of his office. Do you share their concerns about his mental health?” Takano asked Kennedy.
After Kennedy did not immediately respond, Takano pressed further.
“We need a commander in chief that we know has full command of his mental faculties and is emotionally stable,” he said. “Mr. Secretary, given everything that I’ve shown you today, will you insist that President Trump undergo an assessment of his mental fitness and his emotional stability?”
“Absolutely not,” Kennedy replied.
Takano then asked whether Kennedy would support invoking the 25th Amendment if Trump were deemed unfit. Kennedy again rejected the premise, adding that “there hasn’t been a president who is more sane.”
Takano accused him of placing loyalty to Trump above the Constitution, prompting Kennedy to fire back, “Well, you need the fundraising video.”
Committee Chair Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) also weighed in, noting the partisan nature of such calls.
“I would hesitate to say something about the 25th Amendment with the last president. There was no concern there from the other side, but I won’t say that,” Walberg said.
Calls to remove Trump through the 25th Amendment have come from more than 50 Democratic lawmakers, along with other critics, some citing his rhetoric on Iran as evidence he is unfit for office.
But Psaki warned that the party risks undermining itself by leaning too heavily on such arguments and by narrowing its political appeal.
“What is also true is that in order to win, you have to invite more people to the party,” she said. “So if you want to win, you have to accept sometimes that there may be people who are part of your party, or you’re going to welcome into the conversation, who you don’t agree with on 100% of issues. And I think sometimes there can be a little litmus-testy feeling about who’s allowed to be a Democrat or who can consider themselves progressive.”
She also cautioned against a reflexive outrage-driven response to Trump.
“And part of that goes hand in hand with feeling like you have to scream at the top of your lungs about everything that comes out of the Trump administration,” Psaki said. “And I’m outraged by a lot of it. But I don’t think screaming about every single thing is the most constructive thing.”
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A prominent Utah lawmaker appears to be gearing up for a Senate bid, potentially teeing up a competitive primary challenge against incumbent Senator Mitt Romney (R).
Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson announced Thursday that he is launching an exploratory committee to consider running for Senate, according to reports from Fox News.
“I’ve really loved the opportunity that we’ve had to keep government small and out of people’s lives, it’s part of why Utah is so special,” Wilson said of his time in public office.
I’m a husband, dad, successful business owner and I’m exploring a run for the U.S. Senate in 2024 because I know Utahns deserve a bold, proven, and conservative fighter to represent us and our values in our nation’s capital. Learn more and donate: https://t.co/hf0HoVa2r9pic.twitter.com/IBumyA1dyU
He continued, “I really believe that what Washington needs is to be a lot more like Utah. We’ve got this amazing opportunity to send Utah values back to D.C., and to have a conservative fighter back there, doing things back there the way we do them here in the Beehive State.”
“I’ve been in elected office for a while. And one thing that I know is these offices don’t belong to any of us individually, they belong to the people that elect us,” Wilson said.
Wilson added, “And so my decision is going to be based on what I hear from people, what I believe is in the best interest of the state of Utah, and what is, quite frankly, in the best interest of my family.”
Romney has yet to announce if he will run for another term in the Senate but earlier this week filed preliminary paperwork with the Federal Election Commission.
Romney was the GOP nominee in the 2012 presidential election and was defeated by former President Barack Obama. The Republican lawmaker has become a controversial figure within the party over the past years, frequently butting heads with then-President Donald Trump. Romney twice voted to impeach Trump.
Speaker Brad Wilson is one of the best leaders and human beings I have ever met. I would hate to lose him from the legislature, but I know he would represent Utah well no matter what happens. The next few months will be very interesting in Utah politics. https://t.co/bHdzPNVzkA
On Sunday, a former Biden official made it clear he can’t defend the President anymore.
The shocking remarks come after Biden stunned Americans with his debate performance last week. Throughout the live event, Biden could be seen stumbling over his words and seemed to struggle with hearing responses from Donald Trump and moderators.
Michael LaRosa, who previously served as press secretary to First Lady Jill Biden, lashed out at the White House’s former communications director Kate Bedingfield over her appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” — and argued that she was gaslighting the American people.
Watch:
The data!? If there is data that counters the impact of what we all saw then WHERE THE HELL IS IT??? WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR?? SHOW US! Jesus Christ with the gaslighting, the talking points, and the damn spinning. Enough already.
Bedingfield conceded that debate night had not been “great” for the president — but she then claimed, “The reality is that the race has not fundamentally changed.”
“What we see in all the data that has emerged since Thursday is the fundamental head-to-head hasn’t shifted,” she added.
But LaRosa wasn’t buying it, and said so in an X post.
“The data!? If there is data that counters the impact of what we all saw then WHERE THE HELL IS IT??? WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR?? SHOW US!” he demanded. “Jesus Christ with the gaslighting, the talking points, and the damn spinning. Enough already.”
“Show your supporters or the media this data so we can help you help him! You’ve told us for A YEAR that data and polling can’t be trusted … no one is paying attention … and all of the polling and data are unreliable,” he continued. “Are we NOW supposed to believe it? You’ve been undermining all of the public data and polling and attacking news outlets and their independent data for a year! Is it now safe to trust the data? Should we believe your data instead of independent media data and polling??? Ok, cool. WHERE THE HELL IS IT?”
Former NFL punter Chris Kluwe was removed from a California city council meeting by police after a self-described act of “civil disobedience” while attacking Donald Trump.
The reason for Kluwe’s protest revolved around a sign proposed for Huntington Beach’s public library, which would have the words “Magical,” “Alluring,” “Galvanizing” and “Adventurous” next to each other. The words spell out MAGA.
“Through hope and change our nation has built back better to the golden era of Making America Great Again!” the signage reads.
Video captured Kluwe speaking at the City Council meeting, where he criticized the MAGA movement, which is typically associated with President Donald Trump’s campaign message, “Make America Great Again.” He opined that it was “a Nazi movement.”
“I’m gonna take my time to say what MAGA has stood for these past three weeks,” said Kluwe. “MAGA stands for trying to erase trans people from existence. MAGA stands for resegregation and racism. MAGA stands for censorship and book bans. MAGA stands for firing air traffic controllers while planes are crashing. MAGA stands for firing the people overseeing our nuclear arsenal.”
“MAGA stands for firing military veterans and those serving them at the VA, including canceling research on veteran suicide,” the former punter added. “MAGA stands for cutting funds for education, including for disabled children. MAGA is profoundly corrupt, unmistakenly anti-democracy, and most importantly, MAGA is explicitly a Nazi movement.”
Kluwe then slightly elevated his voice to say, “You may have replaced a swastika with a red hat, but that is what it is.
“I will now engage in the time-honored American tradition of peaceful civil disobedience,” Kluwe said at the end of his speech to the City Council before walking up to the front where the council members were sitting.
Video posted by HB Protect on X showed police officers quickly arresting Kluwe, who was face down on the floor with a crowd cheering behind him for his actions. The City Council’s feed cut out before Kluwe was seen rushing the council members.
He was then carried out by three police officers, two of whom holding one arm each and the other carrying the former punter’s legs.
Kluwe was charged with disrupting an assembly. He told the Orange County Register he was released around four hours after his arrest. He said his belief was that the plaque was more “propaganda” than celebrating the library, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Watch:
Kluwe, 43, played eight years in the NFL, all for the Minnesota Vikings, from 2005-12.
On Wednesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis launched a redistricting effort to potentially secure additional Republican congressional seats in the state.
DeSantis announced the move, saying he will be convening a special session for the state legislature to adjust current maps. The move comes as red and blue states across the country have pursued redistricting to secure an advantage in the 2026 midterm elections.
“Today, I announced that I will be convening a Special Session of the Legislature focused on redistricting to ensure that Florida’s congressional maps accurately reflect the population of our state. Every Florida resident deserves to be represented fairly and constitutionally,” DeSantis wrote.
“This Special Session will take place after the regular legislative session, which will allow the Legislature to first focus on the pressing issues facing Floridians before devoting its full attention to congressional redistricting in April,” he added.
Currently, Republicans hold 20 of Florida’s 28 congressional districts. Florida Republicans may also face challenges because of language in the state’s constitution that puts tight restrictions on gerrymandering.
Texas and California have also pursued major redistricting efforts, with Texas overcoming some initial pushback from the courts.
In early December, the Supreme Court delivered a significant victory to Texas Republicans, clearing the way for a new congressional map that could add up to five GOP-leaning seats in 2026. In a 6-3 ruling, the justices halted a lower court order and said Texas can use the map while the legal fight plays out.
🚨 BREAKING – MASSIVE VICTORY: Supreme Court UPHOLDS Texas' 2026 Congressional redistricting map in a 6-3 ruling
Florida is another key battleground where redistricting could bolster Republican prospects. Governor Ron DeSantis has already demonstrated a willingness to redraw maps, most notably by dismantling a North Florida district long viewed as favorable to Democrats. Further tweaks ahead of 2026 could reinforce Republican dominance in the state by locking in gains made over the last two cycles and reducing the number of truly competitive districts. (RELATED:Supreme Court Clears Texas To Use GOP-Friendly Map In 2026)
Similarly, in states like Ohio and Tennessee, GOP legislators continue to test the limits of court rulings and constitutional constraints, seeking maps that better reflect — in their view — statewide partisan preferences, which currently favor Republicans.
While these redistricting efforts are unlikely to produce a dramatic wave of new GOP seats on their own, they could prove decisive in a narrowly divided House. With margins expected to be razor-thin, even two or three additional Republican-leaning districts may be enough to offset losses from retirements or difficult midterm headwinds.
The 2024 Ohio Senate race is a key battleground, featuring incumbent Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown and Republican challenger Bernie Moreno who aims to unseat Brown in a race that will be crucial for determining control of the U.S. Senate.
Meet Bernie Moreno
Bernie Moreno is a successful businessman and Republican candidate in Ohio’s 2024 Senate race. He gained prominence as an auto dealership mogul, owning multiple dealerships across the U.S. before selling most of them to focus on new ventures. Moreno has positioned himself as a political outsider, emphasizing his experience in business and entrepreneurship. His campaign centers on securing the U.S. border, advocating for conservative economic policies and opposing what he calls “woke” political ideologies.
Key Policy Issues
Border Security: Moreno prioritizes strengthening U.S. border security, advocating for stricter immigration enforcement and building infrastructure to prevent illegal crossings.
Economic Reform: He emphasizes conservative economic policies, including reducing taxes and regulations to boost business growth and job creation.
Opposition to “Woke” Policies: Moreno is vocal about fighting what he views as “woke” ideologies, particularly in education and corporate governance, promoting conservative values instead.
Senator Sherrod Brown
Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, has served as Ohio’s U.S. Senator since 2007. Brown has faced recent criticism from conservatives over his support for President Biden’s policies, including issues related to inflation and energy. Brown’s stances on issues like inflation, federal spending, and opposition to domestic energy production have hindered Ohio’s economy, especially in the manufacturing and energy sectors
Critical Issues in the Race
The Ohio Senate contest will likely focus on a few key issues that have shaped recent elections in the Buckeye state. These include economy, energy, and immigration.
Economy and Inflation: Moreno advocates for reduced government spending, deregulation, and tax cuts to combat inflation triggered by the Biden-Harris administration. He argues that excessive government intervention and policies supported by Brown have contributed to rising costs.
Energy and Climate: Moreno supports expanding domestic energy production, emphasizing Ohio’s reliance on traditional energy sectors, to lower energy costs and ensure energy independence, contrasting with Brown’s focus on renewable energy.
Immigration and Border Security: Moreno emphasizes strict immigration control and securing the U.S. border as key to national security and reducing crime.
Campaign Spending and Fundraising
The Ohio Senate race between Sherrod Brown and Bernie Moreno has attracted significant spending and fundraising, making it one of the most expensive Senate contests of 2024. The overall spending in the race has surpassed $300 million, reflecting the high stakes and national attention on this pivotal Senate seat
–Sherrod Brown: Brown’s campaign has raised nearly $31 million as of the third quarter of 2024, setting a record for Senate races in Ohio. His campaign is supported by major Democrat donors and organizations, helping him maintain a fundraising lead. According to Brown’s campaign, the most any U.S. Senate candidate in Ohio had raised in a three-month period was Democrat Tim Ryan, who raised $17.2 million in the third quarter of 2022.
–Bernie Moreno: Moreno’s campaign, while not matching Brown’s total fundraising according to FEC data, has been supported by significant outside spending from conservative PACs and interest groups. In the third quarter of 2024, Moreno’s joint fundraising committee–which includes Moreno’s campaign, the U.S. Senate Republicans’ campaign arm, and several other affiliated groups–reported collecting $10,080,008.66. The joint fundraising committee and Moreno’s campaign spent more than $8.7 million combined during those three months and ended September with a combined $3.9 million cash on hand, according to FEC records. Moreno has invested heavily in his own campaign, focusing on political ads and outreach to build momentum. Spending in support of Moreno has helped keep the race highly competitive, pro-Moreno groups have spent just over $150 million on TV ads, compared to about $128 million spent on ads in support of Brown, according to Medium Buying.
Americans are sick of phony politicians like Kamala Harris and Sherrod Brown that repeat canned and rehearsed lines.
They think they can hoodwink the country, but when they are subjected to even the slightest amount of scrutiny, they crumble.
The Ohio Senate race between Sherrod Brown and Bernie Moreno is shaping up to be a tight contest. Recent polling indicates a highly competitive race, with some surveys showing a narrow lead for Brown, while others suggest Moreno is gaining ground thanks to his focus on conservative social values and the economy.
RealClearPolitics polling average shows Brown with a slim lead over the Republican challenger of 2.6 percentage points.
Marist polling reports Democrat incumbent Sherrod Brown receives the support of 50% of likely voters statewide including those who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate. Republican challenger Bernie Moreno receives 48%. Among independents, Brown has a 54% to 43% advantage over Moreno.
New 🔴 internal senate polls:
🔵 Maryland: D +8 🔵 Michigan: D +8 🔵 Nevada: D +7 🔵 Ohio: D +6 🔵 Arizona: D +5 🔵 Pennsylvania: D +2 🔵 Wisconsin: D +1 🔴 Montana: R +4 🔴 Texas: R +1
Donald Trump: The former president endorsed Moreno, praising his business acumen and commitment to conservative values.
Mr. Moreno will “fight the corrupt Deep State that is destroying our Country,” Mr. Trump wrote in a social media post.
“I could not be more grateful or humbled to have the complete and total endorsement of President Donald Trump at this vital moment in the campaign,” Mr. Moreno said in a statement, adding that a Republican takeover in the Senate and a victory from Mr. Trump in the presidential contest “will Make America Great Again!”
J.D. Vance: The vice presidential candidate backed Moreno early in the race.
“Thrilled to endorse Bernie Moreno for senate. He’s a good friend, a job creator, and will be a fantastic senator. We’d make a hell of a team!” Vance said in a tweet.
Thrilled to endorse Bernie Moreno for senate. He’s a good friend, a job creator, and will be a fantastic senator. We’d make a hell of a team! https://t.co/eTdVZsYgfn
Matt Gaetz: The Florida congressman voiced his support for Moreno’s Senate bid.
Jim Jordan: Ohio’s influential congressman and conservative leader has supported Moreno.
“Bernie is a true America First conservative, and will make us proud in the U.S. Senate,” Jordan said. “Our country needs common sense conservative fighters now more than ever. Bernie is a political outsider who has lived the American Dream. His perspective, his grit and his conservative values will serve Ohio well in the U.S. Senate.”
Ohio Attorney GeneralDave Yost: “To defeat Sherrod Brown in November, we need to nominate a proven conservative who can unite the party, and Bernie is the candidate who can do that,” Yost said.
Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam gave $50,000 apiece to Moreno’s campaign in mid-August, and other members of their family kicked in an additional $45,000 in total, records show.
“Bernie is grateful for the overwhelming support of Ohioans who are ready to fire Sherrod Brown after 50 years in political office,” said campaign spokeswoman Reagan McCarthy in a statement. “In the final stretch, Bernie will continue to outwork Sherrod and barnstorm Ohio.”
President Donald Trump on Monday threw his support behind Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ), even as the two-term congressman remains largely absent from Washington and the campaign trail amid an ongoing health-related disappearance that has fueled speculation across New Jersey’s most competitive House district.
Ahead of Tuesday’s Republican primary in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, Trump issued a glowing endorsement of Kean, who is running unopposed for renomination despite not casting a vote in Congress since March 5.
On Truth Social, Trump praised Kean as a “Great Representative” and a key ally in advancing the administration’s agenda.
“A Tremendous Advocate of our America First Agenda, Tom is working tirelessly to Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion Small Business, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Support our Brave Military and Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump wrote.
In offering his backing, Trump added: “GET OUT AND VOTE FOR TOM — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
The endorsement comes as Kean remains largely out of public view. The congressman has not appeared for votes in the House for nearly three months and has maintained only a limited public presence while recovering from what he has described as a serious but temporary medical condition.
In late April, Kean acknowledged for the first time that he was dealing with a “personal medical issue,” though he declined to provide details about the illness.
“My doctors continue to assure me that my recovery will be complete and that I will be back to the job I love very soon,” Kean said in a statement at the time. “I expect to return to a full schedule and be at 100 percent.”
Questions about Kean’s absence have intensified in recent weeks as one of the nation’s most closely watched House races begins to take shape. While the congressman has remained out of the spotlight, his official congressional and campaign social media accounts have continued posting regularly, creating an unusual situation in which voters have heard from the congressman online but rarely seen him in person.
Kean told the New Jersey Globe on May 21 that he expected to return to Washington and resume campaigning “in the next couple of weeks.”
He also sought to reassure constituents about his long-term outlook.
“My doctors are confident that I’m on the road to a full recovery,” Kean told the outlet. “I understand the need for public transparency, and I appreciate the support of my constituents.”
Additional reassurance came from Kean’s father, former New Jersey Gov. Tom Kean Sr., who told CNN in mid-May that his son is recovering from a serious but temporary illness.
Despite his continued absence, Kean’s campaign has remained active. Following Trump’s endorsement Monday, Kean thanked the president in a post on X and encouraged New Jersey Republicans to participate in the primary.
The timing is significant because New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District is expected to be one of the most competitive House battlegrounds in the country this year.
While Kean faces no Republican opposition, four Democrats — Rebecca Bennett, Michael Roth, Tina Shah, and Brian Varela — are competing for the chance to challenge him in November.
National Democrats view the district as one of their best pickup opportunities as they seek to regain control of the House. Republicans, meanwhile, are counting on Kean to defend a seat that could prove critical to preserving the GOP’s narrow majority.
Kean first won the district in 2022, defeating Democrat Tom Malinowski by just 2.8 percentage points. He secured reelection in 2024 by a somewhat wider 5.4-point margin against Democrat Sue Altman.
The Cook Political Report currently rates the race a “Toss Up,” placing it among just 18 House contests nationwide with that designation. Fourteen of those highly competitive seats are currently held by Republicans, underscoring the stakes for both parties heading into November.
For now, Trump’s endorsement provides Kean with a high-profile show of support at a moment when many voters are still waiting for the congressman to fully reemerge from the months-long absence that has become one of the most closely watched political stories in New Jersey.
President Donald Trump signs Executive Orders, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley)
The Wall Street Journalreported Tuesday that Elon Musk is quietly backing away from his “America Party” effort — the political project he unveiled in July after souring on the Trump administration over its “One Big Beautiful Bill” legislation.
But Musk isn’t having it.
“Nothing @WSJ says should ever be thought of as true,” he posted bluntly on X, slamming the Journal’s reporting and casting doubt on their unnamed sources.
Crypto outlet Binance Squarehas more on Musk’s candid remarks:
This is the clearest confirmation yet that Musk remains committed to his political initiative and is actively pushing for the formation of the America Party—despite growing media speculation and political opposition.
The original WSJ story, which claimed Musk was “quietly stepping down” from the Republican project, was widely circulated in financial and political circles. The story, citing unnamed sources, alleged internal concerns and strategic recalculations at Tesla, SpaceX, and Musk’s advisory group.
But Musk quickly denied the X report, accusing the Wall Street Journal of fabricating the story. His response sparked a strong reaction online, particularly from America Party supporters and holders of the community-run America Party Token (AP).
Musk’s public denial of the WSJ report suggests that the America Party launch is not only still on track, but imminent.
The Journal claims Musk is cooling on the America Party idea, refocusing on his businesses, and wary of upsetting top Republicans — including Vice President JD Vance. One source said Musk might even support Vance in a 2028 presidential run.
To back that up, it points to Musk canceling strategy sessions with third-party political consultants, ghosting political figures like Andrew Yang and Mark Cuban, and not engaging with groups such as the Libertarian Party, which had shown interest in joining forces.
On paper, it does look like a pause — or at least a pivot. But Musk’s direct denial raises the question: Is he regrouping, or just playing his cards closer to the chest?
Either way, if he is rethinking the America Party, it’s not something he’s ready to admit.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy delivers remarks at the 2021 Capitol Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Washington DC, December 1, 2021. USDA Forest Service photo by Tanya E. Flores.
Republican lawmakers are turning up the intensity in the halls of Congress over the fight for the next Speaker.
Supporters for Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) are signaling where they stand by wearing custom “O.K” buttons, meaning “only Kevin.”
According to The Washington Examiner, the conservative House Freedom Caucus has lined up against McCarthy’s bid, with the most militant members dubbed the “Never Kevin” faction. Now, a group of centrist Republicans is continuing the riff on “Never Trump” by turning the label on its head, vowing to support “Only Kevin” on Jan. 3, when the House will elect a new speaker.
GOP lawmakers from the Republican Governance Group are rocking “OK” buttons — aka “Only Kevin” buttons — in support of McCarthy today.
McCarthy won the speaker nomination from his conference last month with 31 Republican holdouts.
McCarthy will need a majority of votes — 218 if all lawmakers cast their ballot — but with Republicans commanding only a four-vote majority next year, McCarthy and his surrogates have the daunting task of chipping away at nearly all the GOP opposition in time for the vote. If he can’t, there could be a floor fight and multiple rounds of voting.
Members of the Republican Governance Group were seen sporting the “O.K.” pins around the Capitol this week in support of the minority leader. The centrist caucus, formerly known as the Tuesday Group, has urged Freedom Caucus members to drop their opposition, penning a letter earlier this month likening the intraparty fighting to the conference “handcuffing itself to a burning building before” the next Congress even begins.
Freedom Caucus members are demanding a number of concessions from McCarthy in exchange for their vote, most controversially a change to the “motion to vacate the chair,” a procedure that can be used to oust a sitting speaker. The lawmakers want to enable any single member to offer the motion.
Arizona Congressman and Freedom Caucus chairman Andy Biggs is planning to challenge McCarthy for the Speaker’s gavel in a floor vote in January.
