WASHINGTON — John Boehner blessed his top lieutenant, Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, to become the next speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, setting up a potentially contentious race for control of the chamber’s Republican majority.
Boehner’s surprise decision to leave Congress at the end of October highlights the rift between the Republicans’ traditional, business-friendly wing — which McCarthy would embody — and an ascendant, anti-government Tea Party faction.
Already, some prominent conservatives who have opposed Boehner are being discussed as candidates for speaker. Rep. Daniel Webster of Florida, who got 12 votes when he ran against Boehner for speaker in January, probably will run, said fellow party dissident, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling of Texas is another possible contender. He “is considering his options” and will make a decision by early next week, said spokeswoman Sarah Rozier in an e-mail.
Rules Committee Chairman Pete Sessions, also of Texas, plans to run for majority whip, the leadership position responsible for rounding up votes on key legislation, The Washington Post reported. The office of Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price of Georgia wouldn’t comment on his plans.
Conservatives may choose to focus on winning another post, such as majority leader or whip, instead of speaker.
“We will be looking for candidates who will restore regular order, who will allow committees to do their work and to report legislation to the floor that has come through the committee process,” Rep. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., noted. “We’ll also be looking for a speaker who will elevate and restore Congress’ rightful role as a co-equal branch of our government.”
Rep. David Young of Iowa also declared that he wants to hear from candidates for all leadership positions before a vote next month.
Longshot choices for speaker may include Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, who ranks fourth in the Republican leadership, and Peter Roskam of Illinois, who lost election this year for Republican whip, the third-ranking position.
McMorris Rodgers, who delivered the Republican rebuttal to Obama’s 2014 State of the Union speech, is also a potential candidate for the No. 2 majority leader’s spot that would be vacated by a rise by McCarthy to speaker, as is current majority whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana.
