Following former Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner's resignation, a massive power vacuum has been left in the GOP-controlled House. Following the catastrophic failure of House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy's bid for the position, the Republican establishment is desperate for a difference maker to step up. The great consensus is that Paul Ryan, Representative from Wisconsin and 2012 Vice President nominee, is the party's best and only hope for the position. The party itself is also unanimous in its opinion that Paul Ryan is the obvious choice for the job. Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma called Ryan "the complete package," and "a natural consensus player," and then added that Ryan was "a thought leader in the Republican Party." Representative Fred Upton of Michigan said that Ryan was "the only choice," and "the main to bring us all together. Mitt Romney; John Boehner; everyone is in agreement that Ryan is the man for the job.
So what's the problem? Well, the only person that doesn't think Paul Ryan should be speaker is Paul Ryan. He made it clear in another statement following McCarthy's failure on Thursday, the first coming after Boehner's announcement two weeks ago, that he had no interest in being speaker. The establishment, despite its infatuation with the idea of Ryan at the helm, is not ignorant of his stance on taking the position. Representative Rick Mulvaney of South Carolina is only one of the countless party members urging Ryan to assume the position, saying "Sometimes you just need to do it, right?" he said "The country needs you. The party needs you." Representative Upton said of Ryan that "He needs to do this for the team, that's what we are all telling him." Essentially the only thing the quarreling Republican party can agree on at the moment is that Ryan is the man to unite them.
However, some believe that forcing Ryan into a position he is actively avoiding would be detrimental for everyone. Some are saying that a reluctant speaker could be the last thing a party experiencing such inner conflict would need. He would be taking one of the most difficult positions in government, possibly unwillingly, and could be taking a position that would be hurting his future political aspirations. The last speaker elected as president was James Polk in 1844, and many believe that Ryan actually has aspirations for that job.
What could Ryan do for the good of the party or nation as speaker?
Should he step up to the role despite his unwillingness?
Is he more willing to take the role of speaker than he has let on?
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/10/us/politics/desperate-gop-appeals-to-ryan-on-speakers-job.html?_r=0
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/10/11/freedom-caucus-leaders-back-paul-ryan-for-speaker/73775258/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/10/09/paul-ryan-is-getting-a-raw-deal/
1 comment:
As has been discussed by several other posts there is massive conflict in the House, specifically due to the unrest of many Republicans, who are frustrated by their inability to change some of Obama´s policies and the lack of support for conservative values/legislation. This is part of the reason why the current speaker of the House, John Boehner, is stepping down. Just this month there was a threat of government shut down over several issues, including funding to planned parenthood. At this time the next speaker of the House needs to be able to unite the members so that this division does not get worse and lead to future problems (a shut down) down the road. For Ryan, many feel that he is the (only) one who can get this difficult job done. Looking at it from both sides there are definite pros and cons to Ryan stepping up to this demanding position (not only for himself and his future success, but also the House and Nation as a whole). If Ryan were to accept this position, it would definitely help to ease some of the current unrest - providing hope that he will be able to get things done. Additionally he would have earned the gratitude of of his party, increasing his power within the House and also providing him support if he were to later run for President (an office many people feel he is aiming for). Therefore if he were to decline, that could come back to haunt him later down the road. Although on the other hand, not accepting may save him from the save fate. While most people support him for this position at this point in time, their (conservatives) attitude towards him, and his effectiveness (specifically at getting what they want done), may very likely change. As speaker of the House he will have to be open to compromise with Democrats and Obama, and as former Rep. David Hobson (R-Ohio) puts, ¨Anyone making deals, who wants to move things forward is considered an enemy collaborator." Overall I feel that Ryan has a lot to consider, and even if he does not end up as Speaker the one who steps up must be able to find a way to unite the House and pass the legislation that needs to get passed.
http://news.yahoo.com/paul-ryan-weighs-pros-cons-becoming-next-house-191952315--politics.html
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