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Wednesday, December 06, 2023

Kevin McCarthy Out!

And like that... he's gone.

Like Dennis Hastert, John Boehner and Paul Ryan. They couldn't control the House Republicans and left with the positions in disgrace. But let's vilify Nancy Pelosi!

She got things done and will be remembered as a historical figure.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is out. MAGA won and the longtime Republican congressman is exiting right before Christmas. He will take his disgraceful ass back to Bakersfield.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) leaving Congress hurts Republicans in the fundraising. The man knew how to talk to donors. He also knew how to govern. Well, let me rephrase that...!

He allowed his governance doom him. He was ousted from his Speakership in October.

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), House Speaker emeritus Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will react to the news.

The Democrats and eight Republicans voted against his speakership. He made a negotiation with far right members to be ousted if one member calls for it.

With him gone, it only gives Republicans a three seat majority. His exit is a blow to his successor, Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Republicans, further cutting the already narrow GOP majority and making passing legislation in 2024 even more challenging.

"No matter the odds, or personal cost, we did the right thing. That may seem out of fashion in Washington these days, but delivering results for the American people is still celebrated across the country," McCarthy, R-Calif., wrote in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal.

“It is in this spirit that I have decided to depart the House at the end of this year to serve America in new ways. I know my work is only getting started,” he said.

"I will continue to recruit our country’s best and brightest to run for elected office," McCarthy added. "The Republican Party is expanding every day, and I am committed to lending my experience to support the next generation of leaders."

McCarthy’s timeline means he would depart before the Feb. 13 special election to replace expelled Rep. George Santos, further cutting the Republican majority down to 220 members versus 213 Democrats. That means House Republicans could lose just three votes before requiring Democratic support to pass measures.

McCarthy paired his retirement announcement with a video on X.

"Today I sit here having served as your whip, leader and as the 55th speaker of the House," he says in the video, citing a list of achievements that he's proud of. "We kept our government operating and our troops paid while wars broke out around the world. ... I have faith in this country."

"Now, it is time to pursue my passion in a new arena," McCarthy said, without going into detail about his next move.

McCarthy was ousted as speaker on Oct. 3, setting off a contentious race to replace him. Eight Republican rebels, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) forced out the speaker midsession for the first time in history. That night, McCarthy said he feared “the institution fell today” and quipped that he made a mistake in helping get some of those eight GOP lawmakers elected.

Some McCarthy allies warned that the House vacancies could spell trouble for Republicans in the New Year.

"Congratulations Freedom Caucus for one and 105 Rep who expel our own for the other," Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) said on X. "I can assure you Republican voters didn't give us the majority to crash the ship. Hopefully no one dies."

McCarthy's departure has long been anticipated since his ouster, although his decision to leave before the end of the term will create fresh headaches for his party.

He represents a solidly Republican district based in Bakersfield, California, which his party is likely to hold onto when it comes before voters again.

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