THAT is Really a warning to HIS House Republicans against RightWingNut Rep. Greene (R-Ga)….
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Monday acknowledged there is a “risk” of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) becoming speaker in the coming weeks.
Why it matters: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has threatened to trigger a vote to remove Johnson if he puts a Ukraine aid bill on the House floor — which he has said he plans to do later this month.
- Republicans’ razor thin majority means that just a handful of GOP defections could elect Jeffries – a possibility some conservatives have pointed to as their basis for opposing a motion to vacate.
What he’s saying: Asked by Fox News host Sean Hannity asked if there is a “possibility that [Jeffries] could emerge a winner” if Greene triggers a motion to vacate, Johnson replied: “That’s a risk.”
- Still, Johnson added “I don’t think that’s going to happen,” noting Greene did not file the motion in a way that forces the the House to vote.
- “She’s trying to send a message,” Johnson said. “Marjorie knows how high the stakes are for the country. We all do. And that’s why it’s never been more important for us to stand together … We’re going to get through this. Hakeem is not going to be the speaker.”
Zoom in: Johnson’s comment comes after Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), a centrist Johnson ally, said that his removal is a “possibility” and that a vote is “very likely.”
Yes, but: Several centrist House Democrats have suggested they would vote to rescue Johnson, especially if he puts a Ukraine aid bill up for a vote….
image…Win McNamee / GETTY