[Updates Continuing]
Who didn’t see this coming?
House Republicans chose Rep. John Boehner as minority leader Friday, succeeding Speaker Dennis Hastert in the top GOP leadership post for the Democratic-controlled House that convenes in January.
Boehner defeated Indiana conservative Mike Pence. The vote tally was 168-27 with one vote for Texas Rep. Joe Barton. Boehner’s election cements the Ohio conservative’s resurrection within GOP leadership ranks. His elevation to succeed Hastert as the party’s front line leader came despite unrest within the rank and file and a spirited campaign by Pence.
Shortly afterward, Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, won a 147-57 vote to keep his post as whip, which will be the No. 2 GOP job when Republicans become the minority party in January. Blunt is currently the No. 3 House Republican; he defeated Arizona conservative Rep. John Shadegg despite sentiment for fresh leadership faces.
Mary Katharine Ham: Hey guys? Want more of the same? Isn’t that what you meant when you voted Republicans out of office? Good news. The Republican Party delivers! John Boehner, current Majority Leader, was elected Minority Leader over challenger Mike Pence this morning. Fox is reporting the vote was about 150-50. Exactly what message did they think voters were sending them?
Michelle Malkin: The Examiner slams the pork-besotted GOP. Speaking of which, Betsy Newmark notes that Sen. Ted Stevens–Boss Hog himself–has announced he’ll run for re-election in 2008. Oink, oink, oink.
Suitably Flip: That party leadership may be content to resist the will of the majority, waiting around for enough Pelosi-led mistakes pile up and then start pointing unified fingers is a disturbing thought, suggesting the Republican delegation not only may have failed to learn its lesson from this year’s election, but also may have picked up a bad habit or two from the incumbent minority.
Good Richard’s Almanac: When your allies cease to help you, they cease to be your allies.
Hot Air: It’s Karl Rove’s party. You just think it’s yours.
Lord Nazh’s Daily Ramble: Seems that not many Republicans understand the nature of their defeat in this past election and are doomed to repeat their mistakes. Pence at least would have offered a new direction to the party and new hope that they would at least begin to listen to the people that have put them where they are. Alas, it’s not to be.
Hyscience: So, any idea how the GOP is going to do in 08 with the entire right side of the blogosphere disgusted with them? I do!
The American Pundit: Quite frankly, WE the citizen Republicans haven’t “abandoned” our principles. I don’t believe much different than I did 12 years ago. I believe in states’ rights, defending America, improving the economy, solving the immigration issue and the likes. CONGRESSIONAL Republicans are the ones who wandered from principles, and need to get back, if anyone.
Webloggin: If there ever was a sign that the GOP is no longer the party of First Principles this is it.
Confederate Yankee: See the photo.
Cold Fury: Repubs continue pissing on us, telling us it’s rain.
Don’t forget to hit the Democratic Underground.
Are House Democrats Rigging Votes?
Politico has the rundown on last night’s weirdness: Details remain fuzzy, but numerous Republicans argued afterward that they had secured a 215-213 win on their motion to bar undocumented immigrants...
Trent Lott Takes Senate Minority Whip
This is Unfreakinbelievable: Sen. Trent Lott, ousted from the top Senate Republican leadership job four years ago because of remarks considered racially insensitive, won election to the No. 2 post...
Mel Martinez: This Dog Won’t Bite
I must be naive. I expected to hear something about party reform and rebuilding. Instead we get this: Sen. Mel Martinez, who will become the new general chairman of the...
The GOP’s Last Minute Push
The Democratic lead has narrowed…but it’s still a lead. The Republican party on Monday intensified last-minute efforts to motivate its supporters in the hope of defying widespread expectations of a...
Pre-Election Momentum Shifts
RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman points to some interesting numbers and trends: MORE REPUBLICANS/CONSERVATIVES WILL NOW VOTE. The ABC/Washington Post poll shows the Republican edge in the generic ballot has increased...
The Republican Party Is…
Given the recent fulfillment of congressinal leadership positions in the GOP, I’m reminded that a political party is just a vessel. It is not the expression of the people’s beliefs that make up that party. Let me clarify. A political……
The More Things Change……
*Sigh*…
Boehner elected House minority leader…
Seems that not many Republicans understand the nature of their defeat in this past election and are doomed to repeat their mistakes. Pence at least would have offered a new direction to the party and new hope that they would at least begin to listen …..
No More Trough Sloppers!…
The pundits all talk about the Republican leadership advancing our ideas. I would suggest that this is semi-delusional…
I no longer consider myself a Republican – I am a conservative -the GOP has proved over the last
2 terms that they are BIG GOVERNMENT Republicans (that is a organization formed to benefit the elected members-not an organization formed on ideas or ideals of limited government and protection of individual rights) , as such, they do not deserve my vote.
A third party or candidate who promotes conservative ideals will get my vote- in 2008 ,It looks like, I will have no one to vote for or support in the GOP.