The Republican who had to step down from the powerful steering committee in January after nearly taking a swing at Matt Gaetz over his opposition to Kevin McCarthy – well he just came on board in support for Jim Jordan.
Rep. Mike Rogers, who was said to be behind the establishment opposition to Jim Jordan, has just announced he’s going to vote for Jordan:
.@Jim_Jordan and I have had two cordial, thoughtful, and productive conversations over the past two days. We agreed on the need for Congress to pass a strong NDAA, appropriations to fund our government's vital functions, and other important legislation like the Farm Bill. (1/3)
— Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) October 16, 2023
As a result, I have decided to support Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House on the floor. (2/3)
— Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) October 16, 2023
Jim Jordan has already responded to Rogers’ endorsement:
Thank you, Chairman Rogers. Your leadership is just what our Conference needs right now.
We must all keep coming together and get back to work. https://t.co/vAgSY1yGi3
— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) October 16, 2023
Just to give you an idea, here is one reporter’s account of Rogers last week:
Rogers was very angry last week when he told reporters he wouldn’t back Jordan … a pretty big 180 here from the Armed Services Chairman … does he bring any other holdouts with him? https://t.co/1D7Gnr0X4K
— Ben Siegel (@bensiegel) October 16, 2023
If Rogers has done a 180, then perhaps other establishment holdouts will do the same. The vote for speaker is supposed to happen tomorrow at around noon. We’ll cover it as it happens.
UPDATE: Jordan gets another good endorsement from a Defense Appropriations subcommittee chairman, who opposed him on Friday:
Keeping America safe is my top priority in Congress. After having a conversation with Jim Jordan about how we must get the House back on a path to achieve our national security and appropriations goals, I will be supporting him for Speaker on the floor. Let’s get to work.
— Rep. Ken Calvert (@KenCalvert) October 16, 2023
UPDATE: Looks like the endorsements are pouring in now:
ANN WAGNER, probably one of Scalise's top allies in the House, is now for Jim Jordan.
Three massive endorsements for the GOP speaker designate this morning.
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 16, 2023
UPDATE: Jordan just sent a letter to his Republican colleagues:
There is still opposition go Jordan:
Jim Jordan's lack of legislative history and predisposition to burn everything down (i.e. 2013 shutdown, 2018-19 government shutdown, Boehner speakership) makes for a dangerous leader.
The only path forward is a bipartisan governing coalition.
— Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) October 16, 2023
But a Capitol Hill reporter suggests Jordan is very close:
The most likely path forward at this point, based on all available evidence, is that Jordan is very close to becoming the 56th speaker of the House. https://t.co/oF5zYnjeCH
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 16, 2023
UPDATE: Another Scalise ally gives support to Jordan:
Just received a call from @Jim_Jordan and had a very productive conservation. I informed him that I will be offering my support on the House floor.
While I have always said that Jim is a good friend, I am deeply frustrated by the way this process has played out. (1/2)
— Rep. Vern Buchanan (@VernBuchanan) October 16, 2023
