(Bloomberg) — John Boehner faces a long-shot challenge to his leadership from at least two U.S. House Republicans who say the speaker is too aligned with business-as-usual in Washington.
Reps. Louie Gohmert of Texas and Ted Yoho of Florida said they would offer their names as alternatives to Boehner when Congress convenes a new session Tuesday. Their chances of ousting Boehner as speaker are slim, because about 30 Republicans would have to oppose his re-election to the post.
The steep odds aren’t stopping them from trying.
In announcing his candidacy for speaker in a Fox News interview today, Gohmert said it’s “really time for a change.” Yoho disclosed his plans to run yesterday, writing on Facebook that opposing Boehner is “a vote against the status quo.”
See also: Former Senate leaders Lott, Daschle see room for compromise.
Gohmert and other House members, many of whom identify themselves as Tea Party members, have a long list of grievances against Boehner. The complaints include that he has been too willing to compromise with Democrats and that he has allowed some measures — such as the Violence Against Women Act — to pass with more votes from Democrats than Republicans.