As the struggle to determine the House Speaker after Republican Kevin McCarthy’s removal on October 3 continues, a disturbing voicemail has been left for the wife of a GOP lawmaker who voted against Representative Jim Jordan’s bid for House Speaker.
Jordan, who sought the Speaker’s position, faced declining support in consecutive votes. The situation has escalated with some lawmakers receiving angry messages and threats from constituents.
Tensions in the Race for House Speaker
Ohio Representative Jim Jordan initiated a vote on his candidacy for House Speaker on Tuesday, and a second vote on Wednesday, which saw him winning even fewer votes than the first.
Some lawmakers who did not vote for him have been targeted with angry messages and even death threats from constituents.
The Threatening Voicemail
A particularly disturbing voicemail was shared by CNN in which the caller threatened the wife of an unnamed Republican who voted against Jordan.
The caller used derogatory language and made explicit threats, targeting the representative’s husband and family.
The caller vowed to closely monitor their actions and movement, echoing a threat to follow them wherever they go.
Reactions and Concerns
Several lawmakers have expressed their concerns over the escalating tensions and threats in the race for House Speaker.
Nebraska Representative Don Bacon reported that his wife received anonymous text messages threatening him unless he voted for Jordan.
Iowa Republican congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who voted against Jim Jordan for Speaker, revealed that she had received “credible death threats.”
Interim Speaker’s Threat of Resignation
The current House Speaker, interim Speaker Patrick McHenry, has limited power to bring legislation to the House floor.
He reportedly threatened to resign if Republicans attempted to move legislation without a vote to extend his powers. This development could complicate the situation further, potentially leading to a vacancy in the Speaker’s position.
Jim Jordan’s Ongoing Candidacy
Jim Jordan, despite his consecutive defeats, remains a GOP candidate for Speaker and is actively seeking additional support from skeptical colleagues.
He has called off a third speaker vote, buying more time to garner support.
The ongoing tensions and threats in the race for House Speaker highlight the contentious nature of this leadership battle and its potential impact on the functioning of the House of Representatives.
The situation remains fluid as political maneuvering continues in the search for a new Speaker.
Breaking News