(NewsGlobal.com)- The first Republican in the House to publicly criticize Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s ambition to become speaker was Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ).
Republicans have ensured their hold on the House. Due to its poor showing in last week’s midterm elections, the GOP only has a razor-thin majority after all is said and done.
On Monday night, Lidia Curanaj, the host of Newsmax, questioned the congressman about his plans.
She said, “Congressman, you’re reportedly the front-runner to take on Kevin McCarthy.” It sounds like you’re nearly there, I guess. Do you wish to announce something?”
Biggs said that we have a new paradigm here and believes that the country wants to go differently for the House of Representatives because the world has changed. He acknowledged that he would be proposed as the next speaker of the House.
We’ll see if we can get the job done,” Biggs said.
Biggs agreed that the undertaking would be challenging.
He acknowledged that McCarthy accomplished a lot financially and otherwise, but this is not just about Kevin.
“I believe it is about institutional direction and trajectory, and it is there that we will determine if there are sufficient numbers of people who concur that we must alter this location’s trajectory and make it more accessible,” Biggs said.
Curanaj noted, “So, it seems like you just declared.”
“Yes, I suppose I did,” Biggs said.
Curanaj cited the statement made by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) that he will not support McCarthy for speaker.
She questioned whether this kind of division is necessary as we work to put our nation back on track.
Biggs said, “Matt has his views about it.”
Biggs said that the constituencies are saying they need different leadership in the House and the Senate, and many people in the conference have listened to their constituency.
“We must alter the course; we need those who will bring our body together and unite,” Biggs said.
McCarthy will have to contend with a very narrow majority and the House Freedom Caucus, of which Biggs is a member.
More than 30 Republicans who lean more to the right than the rest of the conference make up that group.
Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) of the House resigned in 2015 under intense pressure from the opposition.
McCarthy was tapped to follow him, but his campaign ultimately failed before current Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) took the helm.
