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Subscribe to RSSThe House will vote tomorrow to elect a Speaker of the House. While it is likely that Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) will be reelected, if 17 conservatives decide to vote against Boehner, it could lead to the first second ballot for speaker since 1923.
There are no indications Boehner will not be re-elected Speaker. While there will likely be members who vote against him, there is no real candidate that could garner enough votes to take Boehner down.
Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) leaves a House Republican Caucus meeting.
The 113th Congress will convene for the first time at noon Thursday, after which the House will vote to elect a speaker.
Members will be called by name alphabetically and asked for their vote. This vote is different than typical votes, which are done electronically during a set period of time.
The next speaker needs a majority of all votes cast to be elected. They do not need a majority of the full membership of the House. The 113th has 434 members because Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s seat will be vacant.
If all members were to vote, Boehner would need 218 votes, unless there are members who are absent for the vote or members who vote "present" (for no one).
Since 1913, the year the House reached the size of 435 members, there has only been one time that no candidate received the majority of the votes cast for speaker.
That was in 1923, when nine ballots over three days were needed before Rep. Frederick Gillett (R-MA) was reelected to the position for a third term.
The speaker does not have to be a member of Congress, but in the history of the House of Representatives there has never been a speaker who was not a member.
Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) nominated Newt Gingrich this year during the Republican Conference meeting, but that nomination was not seconded, and Speaker Boehner was nominated by a voice vote (no objectors) to be the Republicans' nominee yet again. Democrats chose to have Nancy Pelosi as their nominee for Speaker of the House.
Between 1943 and 1995, only the nominated Republican and Democrat received votes, but before that, it was customary for members of other groups within parties would garner votes as well.
Since 1913, the speaker has been elected without a majority of the whole House, but with the majority of those voting, only four times:
-- 1917 (65th Congress) -- "Champ" Clark (D-MO) was elected with 217 votes;
-- 1923 (68th Congress) -- Frederick Gillett (R-MA) was elected with 215 votes;
-- 1943 (78th Congress) -- Sam Rayburn (D-TX) was elected with 217 votes;
-- 1997 (105th Congress) -- Newt Gingrich (R-GA) was elected with 216 votes
Recent speaker votes:
-- 2011 (Jan. 5th): Boehner 241, Pelosi 173, Shuler 11, Lewis (GA) 2 Costa 1, Cardoza 1, Cooper 1, Kaptur 1, Hoyer 1, Present 1
-- 2009 (Jan. 6th): Pelosi 255, Boehner 174
-- 2007 (Jan. 4th): Pelosi 233, Boehner 202
-- 2005 (Jan. 4th): Hastert 226, Pelosi 199, Murtha 1, Present 1
Leave a Comment:
Wow, a new congress..without Joe Walsh and Allen West.
Wow, a new Congress...without Todd 'legi rape' Akin and Richard 'Gifted' Mourdock.
It's too good to be true...but IT'S TRUE!!!!!!! Thanks to American voters who voted these rascals out.
Ok, Boehner is incompetent..but considering the alternatives.. Erick Cantor? I will pick the lesser of the 2 evils.
P.S.:
What? Talking about some out-dated party that lived in the past. Do you still remember Trent Lott's birthday wish to Strom Thurmond in 2002:
P.S.: So After Trent Lott whipped minorites like that (quote above), and his party was punished later and lost majority in the senate, Lott became minority whip in the Senate.
If Boehner is re-elected as speaker of the house, what do you think the odds will be that he cries while thanking his fellow republicon congressmen?
How can someone who is so bad at his job get reelected to it?
Only with the Party of No....
Hey, Puh-lease (#1.3): Yeah, U R right -
Boehner will cry ... following the teaching of his Tea Mom Sarah Palin -
Cry Boner Cry
Puh-lease . . .
LOL! I'd definitely bet on that one!
I remember an episode of "F Troop" in the 60's where a line of eight soldiers is asked to offer a single volunteer for a dangerous task. On cue, seven step backward. Boehner is the eighth and it was Cantor who gave the cue.
What can you say? The weeper of the house will be re-elected and we'll have two more years of dysfunction until we can replace a few more of those ditto-heads with some real statesmen and women.
The GOP is becoming more and more irrelevant with each passing crisis. So, let's give them a great big hand and wish them well in their new endeavors.
I'm pretty sure the founding fathers never dreamed the country would end up like this. Those who piss and moan the loudest about not keeping faith with the founders of this great nation are the very people who have led us astray.
Gerrymandered districts to preserve one party or the other. Elected officials unable to agree or even discuss the issues laid before them. I'm sure they'd be saying, "We started a revolution and risked our lives for this?"
Happy New Year everybody.
Boehner...incompetent..but will still be re-elected....rewarded... just more hand-outs
I thought RepubliCONs are against welfare?
What's the use of GOP majority in the House, anyway??
In the House vote last night, Eighty-five Republicans and 172 Democrats and 85 Republicans supported to end the fiscal cliff after Dem-controlled senate had approved it.
172 Dems, only 85 Republicans? So technically, DEMs are still the majority (by 2-1) in the House.
Not if they can find someone worse!
NO Piggie, the GOP isn't against "welfare" per se. They are against POOR PEOPLE and the disadvantaged from receiving welfare. Mainly because those folks who need help don't have the money to buy their votes. They are also against SOCIALISM which is what they believe Social Security and Medicare amount to. Again, the people who benefit most from those programs rarely have the money to BUY the GOP's support.
NOW CORPORATE WELFARE, well they're all over that.
agreed...skip
Maybe Pelosi should go talk nice to those pi$$ed-off Republicans in the the NE. The GOP majority has shrunk, Pelosi wouldn't need to pick up many votes to upset Bonehead....
One thing is for sure, tweedle-dee, tweedle-dum, and tweedle-deedum have given new meaning to the term 'drama queens'. They may as well show up to greet the 113th Congress dressed in tutus, boas, and 10" heels. Boehner, Cantor and McConnell couldn't possible look more ridiculous in that 'dressage' than they did during their performances in the epic, "Over the Cliff in a 180 Ways"!!
Millions of people have been asking that question since November.
If possible, I'd suggest the perpetual candidate for San Francisco Supervisor..
Nun of the Above
Never stop asking......................well said!! That's what we all wondered about obumbo!!!
@pigotry
And thank you mr. worthless president for signing that pay increase to your buddies in both houses. Way to reduce spending
Boehner's a good Speaker, but I'd prefer Kevin McCarthy.
And Boehner is certainly a lot better than Nancy "We have to pass the bill to find out what's in the bill" Pelosi, our alarmingly stupid Minority Leader.
I'm not crazy about Boehner but pelosi?????????????? Good God, that loon creeps everyone out. She always looks freaked out like somebody stuck a carrot up her ass. (poor carrot)
Boehner is a do nothing speaker who has no control over his party yet alone his emotions...
I'm sure he's a well intended guy, but leader he is not...
I can almost see Cantor breathing down his back... Boehner should do the right thing, and step aside as speaker of the house... 112th congress has been the worst congress in our history... Let someone step in that can do the job...
Boehner, Cantor, McConnell do exhibit traits of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Oops, I better say Insolence before the yard stick comes out - no offense, Sisters. No doubt, they each have their own pair of roller skates.
Just what we need, another McCarthy the Red, running the house. No thanks, been there, done that.
The first step to fixing the economy and all the drama here, is to throw out every one of these bums. Throw them all out. Dems and Rep's. In the next election, we need to send a profound statement to the cronies, and hypocrates on Capitol Hill that we no longer want their way of running this country. Then it will send a message to the "newly elected" congress what will happen to them if they do not do waht they were elected to do.
There is no leader in the Republican Party. There is no one qualified to be leader of the Republican Party. What is the Republican Party? Does anyone know anymore?
Say what you want about Nancy Pelosi, but at least she ran the house(hint; leadership), and got support for many bills, and while speaker of the house got a lot more bills passed than John Boehner has. Many may dislike her, but, she was productive, and united the house of representative instead of letting a small faction of house members dictate and obstruct legislation for all Americans.
I think most would rather have Boehner than that Pelosi chick. Most normal-thinking Dems don't even like her. She is one POS -- should stay in California permanently since that is where she is most of the time.
Not much of choice. A Boner or Rick Cant or wont.
Here's my question, who else besides Boehner? Cantor sure as heck isn't a better replacement. Come on people, the pickings are slim...
Jay 189....., I believe that pay raise did not go through, and while I did not agree with it, it was not for the 112th Congress but for the incoming one and was not scheduled to take effect til sometime in the Spring.
THERESA-532036 -- Exactly, and that's why schmucks like Limbaugh end up filling the void. As for the Republican Party, I guess it is what their platform was for the 2012 election? Egad!
Gerri-367148 -- Not if they are smarter than you.
Pelosi passed over 400 bills in her first term, most of which were heavy lifts. Here's a great idea. How about you do some research on how many bills were passed in Boehner's first term, minus the commemorative coin and naming of buildings.
Vote Boehner out. The Republicans need someone who can actually LEAD the party rather than seeing how close he can get his nose to Obama's butt.
I'm a GOP and it wouldn't break my heart if they elect someone else. They can march to the same tune, but someone who is a little more charismatic would benefit the party. Paul Ryan would get my vote. And please, NO liberal should even open their mouth. PELOSI, need I say more. She is arguably one of the worst politicians, let alone Speakers in history.
Unlikely? The sun doesn't rise tomorrow would be unlikely compared to Boehner's chances. It takes a simple majority of those present. With everyone there that would be 218. With the Dems having 201 or roughly 46% Boehner can't afford to lose too many GOP votes to fail. They have 234 votes if he loses 17 votes he's dead. If everyone is present. If the GOP splits between Boehner, Cantor, Ryan, McCarthy et al we could see a minority speaker.
ProBusiness -- I thought you were seceding from the Union? Good gawd, the rest of rightwingers already threw their temper tantrums and registered Independent after the Iraq war "mismanagement" and TARP. What a joke, you'll all still vote for the same twits.
jack-1792739 -- WTF... "arguably" is the operative word in that your statement can be argued. A lot. Please see posts above.
John "bonehead" Boehner should not even be allowed to be elected dog catcher let alone speaker of the house. His group has to be the worst of the worst, ever, in the history of our country.
"gerri" - do you have some numbers to back up your little claim? Since you are one of the "research challenged", why don't you start with some congressional approval ratings. If you refuse to or simply can not back up your garbage, then you are an admitted liar. It's no wonder that you teabaggers hate a woman that is actually capable of doing her job well.
Anyone want to place bets on whether or not Boehner is capable to have all of the teabbggers dragged away from their cocktails to be present for their swearing in? Maybe someone as informed as little "gerri" could remind us, exactly, how much it cost the American public to re-do all of the legislation that was passed illegally while Boehner was putting people on committees that had not been sworn in.
Truepatriot: If there was a state seceding I would move within 30 days and be glad to secede. That way I can watch the collapse of the U.S. from a distance. The collapse IS happening and we don't have a party that will stand up and fight to save it.
When you have two major parties and they BOTH vote for TARP, BOTH vote for amnesty, BOTH vote for bigger government, BOTH vote for higher taxes, and BOTH using the constitution for toilet tissue does it really matter who is "in charge"?
No it doesn't. BOTH parties are responsible for the destruction of this country. I just changed my registration and no longer am a Republican. I can no longer support a party that is simply a "Democrat Lite" and doesn't give a damn about the country either.
If the Republican and Democratic herds of partisan sheep elect the same 'leadership' for the 113th Congress that they put in-place for the 112th Congress, expecting different results over the next two years is nonsensical.
Boehner, Pelosi, Cantor, Hoyer, Reid, McConnell ALL need to be retired from leadership responsibilities. They failed. And worse than their failure, they didn't even try to succeed. Failure should not be rewarded.
Interestingly ugly or beautiful is not a prerequisite for public office. If all needed to be beautiful Abe Lincoln never would have been elected to any office.
Personally, as a Democrat, I don't like Nancy Pelosi but I do admire her ability to lead. Her ability came out when the 111th Congress accomplished far more than the 112th Congress under John Boehner. Pelosi had some "problem children" in the DINOs or conservative Democrats that didn't always toe the Democratic line but she was able to handle them on most issues and to work WITH the Republicans to get things done. Unfortunately Mr. Boehner has a bigger and more powerful group of radicals to deal with. Surely there is some way he can make them ineffective until they can be voted out of office. Some of those Tea Partyers have been voted out in 2012 and now we need more out in 2014 meanwhile Boehner is going to have to work with them to finally get the people's work done.
Unfortunately Boehner is the least of the evils in the Republican caucus and so his reelection should be assured.
Just in: Boehner to resign and speakership to go to Cantor. Please don't bogard that popcorn, Feisty.
ProBusiness
I used to be a Dem, but as the years went by I saw them turn into the welfare party. Let's just give away the farm to every illegal in the country and call it being humane.
I jumped ship over to the Repubs.
After being a Repub for about a decade, I lost favor with them as they turned into the party of NO and was captured by the extreme right wing Tea Party. New party platform became "Obstruction, obstruction, obstruction" and "Protect the rich at any costs".
I jumped ship over to the Independents.
I would LOVE to see a candidate come into office with NO PARTY PLATFORM to adhere to. Just do the will of the people in what's right for America.
Maybe some politians in the future will seriously run for office without the dreaded D or R by their name.
Someone asked, "How can someone who is so bad at their job get re-elected for it?"
Just ask Obama* Biden, Feinstein, Pelosi, and the other nazis that fooled you into thinking that they are democrats.
Time for Term Limits.
Feinstein and co. are again going to prove that they do NOT support the constitution of the United States of america. False swearing an oath of office is a felony.
what happened during the last assault weapons ban? The Biden / Feinstein Columbine massacre, and millions of illegals crossed the border with no problem.
True unpatriot..Harry Reid has over 250 bills stacked up on his desk that the fool would not allow to go for a vote. Don't blame the republicans for what the democrats are Not doing.
Obama* still has to come up with his first budget in 3 years.
And the low information voters re-elected this lazy socialist /marxist.
The Obama* administration makes history again by forcing the us mint to produce the first ever fake one dollar coin.
Jay, that pay raise you're implying Obama gave congress is a cost of living raise for federal employees in general, and not specific to congress. It also doesn't take effect until September of 2013. Congress on the other hand passed legislation in 1989 which grants them automatic raises unless they specifically vote against them for the year.
The 1989 Ethics Reform Act created the current formula, which is based on changes in private sector wages as measured by the Employment Cost Index, and automatically takes effect unless Congress votes against it, or it's more than the pay raise given to federal workers.
The president can't set specific pay for members of congress, or include/exclude specific areas of the federal government. The president can only veto funding bills from Congress, which in turn can override him if they have sufficient votes. He put a stop on all federal pay increases when he came into office while the economy was in free fall. He approved a .5% increase for the 2013 year for all federal employees since employment indicators appear to be returning to normal for the coming year. ALL funding bills come from congress as they control the purse strings. That is the way our government is designed.
You need to look to congress with your rage for an undeserved raise. They are the ones who put the bill out there granting them automatic raises so they didn't have to mess with the nasty business of publicly patting themselves on the back every year. Now it just happens automatically unless they vote to stop it.
DJ... don't give them any real info. They can't accept it
One of the many problems rightwingers have is seeing everything in a simplistic black-and-white way. The Teapublicans have been notorious for wasting taxpayer money by trying to pass the same BS repeatedly, the same damn symbolic extremism they know can't be passed in both houses, or pass without being vetoed.
But these facts are just too nuanced for pee-brained rightwingers who have been dumbed-down by FAUX Noise. Consensus must always be built first. You know "compromise" that is now a dirty word for the rightwing radicals. Bills shouldn't even be brought to the floor unless it can pass, including "Plan B," um?
Seriously, the Dems have passed far more legislation because they are willing to water it down (though it makes their supporters angry) and actually take into account what the folks across the aisle will pass. If there are, as you claim, supposedly 250 bills (what's the norm anyway?) gathering dust on Reid's desk, it is only a testament to the "my way or the highway" extremism from the Teapublican crazies.
Stop piling more crap onto Bullsh!t Mountain.
MSNBCMFE (1.7):
Excellent post!
You gave me the best laugh I've had in a long time!
Thank you!!!
"probusiness"...Any of us that have read your comments know how much you despise the United States. You and your lying little teabagger buddies go ahead and start your own country. We all know that none of you are capable of passing legislation to tie a pair of shoes.
Anyway - It would be fun to whip your asses like we did the last time a bunch of ignorant racists tried to secede.
In 24 hours...
the number of Right wing knee jerkoffs has diminished here by 80%
My gues is that they have either runout of LIES & BULLZH!T
or they have reopened the idiotbox at FOX
either way....
they have been beaten badly enough to
start biting the backs of the conservative next to them &
are running in silly circles in search of any direction possible .
Actually, the House voted not to accept the raise, and under the latest amendment to the Constitution they cannot receive another raise until after the next Congressional election(2014).
Boehner for president!
So, Mr. Boehner stands poised to remain the ventriloquist's hand up the back of the decaying corpse with the split personality of that co-opted-from-within body that is the current House Republican majority.
I almost feel sorry for him.
But not quite.
I doubt he will get reelected. He is a loser according to both the democrats and republicans. Just give him his pink slip and send him on his drunken merry way.
trueidiot....
reid has 250 bills on his desk because your republicans filibustered them and won't let them come up for a vote.
Sad that Boehner is the BEST the Republicans have.
No. He is the lesser of the many RepubliCON evils.
TO: SeekingSanity who wrote:
Actually, Boehner is better than the rest of them who can't seem to get anything right.
At least Boehner is able to work with the President.
It's the Republicans that give Boehner all the hell.
Newt ?? Speaker? now??
LMFAO !!!!!!!!!!!!
Might not be the best. He's the only repuke that wants the job.
I agree with "American Girl" above. John Boehner does right well considering He's the one small sapling for all those raucous monkeys He's charged with, to play in and climb on. Man has to drink and weep some. I honestly don't see how He stands It.
...even sadder that Obama's the best the Democrat party has.
No, ZMan2012,
...happily...President Obama is among the best and the brightest the whole nation proudly has.
TO: ZMan2012 who wrote:
And yet President Obama is a better pick than anyone the Republicans had to offer, and President Obama has the support of the majority of the American People.
Boehner does not get along with Obama. He also F-bombed Harry Reid the other night, which was widely reported.
We are in for more of the same for the next two years.
ZMan - President Obama is the best the country has and proved that with his convincing win in November. Clearly you are still pouting that the Republican party has gone down the drain and has NO candidates of any value for anything in the foreseeable future - certainly not for President.
But, you're still whining over the President winning! Lol!
I like that the conservatives on this board immediately say "Yeah, obama sucks too."
Some people never make it out of the preschool playground. :)
The "I'm rubber you're glue" argument never gets old for some.
American Girl..................obumbo has the support of SLIGHTLY over HALF the people of this country. YES, it is a majority but HARDLY a mandate. How the biggest failure of a pres like him got reelected is the real problem. This country is becoming a cesspool of lazy takers and illegals all looking for the handouts from us taxpayers and it will continue to get worse under this failed president. Like someone said, "Ya can't beat Santa Claus".
Obama has as much of a mandate as George Bush ever had.
usa1967 - and your grade school name calling shows your level of intelligence - actually that's an insult to grade school children everywhere, sorry!
The "failed President" left in January 2009. We have a Great President now! Too bad you're not smart enough to know it!
Seeking you are calling someone out for name calling? Pot meet kettle. LMAO
Seeking..............I don't think I need to be lectured by someone like you about "name calling". You seem to be very good at that looking at your many silly posts. You know, the pot calling the kettle black!!!
The last 4 yrs have been a joke and this pres is a joke and that is really too bad for the country.
@usa1967#2.13: You reason like the one who didn't get to f&^k the goat, after all those ahead had made so much noise getting 'em some, they aroused the irate farmer who ran 'em all off. Your not getting any doesn't make the goat any less attractive, and those who did will agree with me.
Mac............your post is just plain stupid.
@usa1967#2.19: You been talking to my wife? Whether you have or not you're likely right, except for that "plain" part. President Obama won. Got waaay more votes than Whomever that was who ran against Him. That's a MANDATE, or if you prefer a "WOMANDATE. Maybe both. Regards, and I really hope your reply doesn't contain some undue veiled prejudice against goats.
usa1967 ......just another of those ol' cranky white guys......you know the once majority in the country that is shrinking every year. He would never admit we have a very intelligent, gracious, family oriented and well mannered man as our President, one we know has never embarrassed us and is beloved by the majority in the country.
Aloha Mr. President!!!
usa1967:
Now you know what it's like reading your drivel.
It's humorous reading all of the liberal posters. You people praise Pelosi. How does that reflection look when you stare in the mirror. There aren't too many people more despicable than she.
usa1967 - the only joke here is and continues to be you. You represent all that is wrong with this country and your show it in every post.
@jack-1792739#2.23: I like Nancy. She's also a sexy woman. I envy Her husband. Now, about my reflection in the mirror. Right nice. Fact, if I reflect very long, the mirror kinda quakes and quivers. I think I've detected some low moans and groans now and then too. Never has broken either. Probably a lady mirror. Understandable. I could go on, but modesty forbids. Regards
Jack,
Again, you and others may think she is despicable...but you can't refute the fact that she proved her leadership skills by unifying, and was a much more productive speaker than Boehner is/was. I believe another poster stated that she got over 400 bills passed, including ACA, and job producing stimulus, and with the senate help, got the economy out of a free fall. Many more bills were passed with her as speaker that helped ALL Americans than the current house and speaker have done; including the passage of yesterday's bill.
If the Republican and Democratic herds of partisan sheep elect the same 'leadership' for the 113th Congress that they put in-place for the 112th Congress, expecting different results over the next two years is nonsensical.
Boehner, Pelosi, Cantor, Hoyer, Reid, McConnell ALL need to be retired from leadership responsibilities. They failed. And worse than their failure, they didn't even try to succeed. Failure should not be rewarded.
Jackie: You really believe that i guess. Take a look at the PORK she has attached to all of those bills that spend our tax dollars on complete $hit for people in her district in CA. It's a joke. And I think you'll get good arguments against many of the bills you think she was responsible for, especially ACA.
Mac: That was funny. When i look at Pelosi, I always think of Joan Rivers for some strange reason.
Robert: I can't agree more. TERM LIMITS
Judging from the idiot teabagger posts, Boehner is the result of the Republicans creating a base of the nastiest scum the country has to offer.
It's difficult to work within the American system of government when your base despises everything America stands for (a nice way of saying that Boehner is the smartest kid on the short bus).
TO: -usa1967- who wrote:
The election is over, and Republicans with their hate speech rhetoric and talking points FAILED miserably, and President Obama won, AGAIN.
President Obama won by a landslide, it took Republican votes to put President Obama over the top, and more than 50% of the country supports President Obama right now, which can't be said about any Republican you have in office right now.
If that's a "win" for Republicans to you, it only proves my point of how backazzwards Republicans are.
TO: John18-441255 who wrote:
Well, you'd better call Boehner and tell him then cause Boehner thinks he gets on well with the President.
Or is it just that "getting along well" disturbs Republicans who are tightly attached to their hate speech rhetoric?
This is going to get your goats Democrats.
The feds took several Illegals into custody today by checking their addresses in the voting records, they were all working at the same place, and the media was told to keep this quiet so that more illegals do not run before they are arrested for voter fraud. If you do not think that the feds can keep the media quiet ask Feinstein who is trying to get votes for her gun ban by intimidation and blackmale.
Voting records are proof of a felony if you do not have the right to vote.
This was in response to a video sent in by a citizen who recorded an illegal named Manuel Rodriguez bragging that he and his mexican wife voted and they were not even asked to prove citizenship.
Iamnotyuo - proof for your claim please. See, you have no proof and just make hings up at will. Typical little right wing Tea Partier. Dumb and willing to shout it at the top of your lungs!
usa1967,
your Republican friends aren't going anywhere politically except down the crapper until they get their heads out of women's vaginas.
TO: Iamnotyou who wrote:
Yeah, working for the Romney Campaign.
No doubt these where those crazed hooligans that tried to vote for Mitt Romney, and got caught.
Jack,
I guess the fact that she got bills passed that helped all Americans and the fact that she was productive doesn't matter to you. I agree with many posters that adding pork to bills should be stopped; but...I find it ironic that republicans are just now crying foul with pork when republicans, and yes democrats are included, have been loading bills up with pork (pet projects) for many decades. I don't recall outrage from republicans during the Bush years, esp. 2000-2006 when they had complete control of government and had just as many bills passed loaded up with pork. When democrats are in power, it's bad for government and the American people, but when republicans are in control, it's business as usual and supposedly "smaller government" and fiscally responsible. Hypocritical aren't we.
Perhaps as a starting point to more unity in our political discussion, can we all start by being thankful that neither Michelle Bachmann nor Anthony Weiner are going to be the next Speaker of the House? .... although that probably won't make any comedians too happy.
Jack 1792739
I like your avatar
A raving lunatic just lie the rest of the Tea Party RAVING LUNATICS
Jack,
I also believe it was a republican sponsored bill that had the now famous "bridge to nowhere" pork added to it for Alaska...Pelosi is not the only speaker that passed bills with pork added to it. I also think that Tom Delay ruled the house with an iron fist, and used pork with a passion. Republicans are not without faults regarding this....I would love for congress, both chambers, to ban pork to all bills, and have bills written specifically for what the main reason is; I think getting up or down votes would happen easier, and help raise congress's approval ratings.
Zman, I have to agree that Mr Obama is not the best person the Democrats could have put up but she has been an excellent Secretary of State.
okie...
Not an intelligent post...Mr. Obama(it is President Obama), the President is a he not a she. Hillary Clinton is the current Secretary of State, and is a she. Can't even distinguish which democratic public official you are talking about, or what role and gender they are.
Witchking: This is what happens when you read posts from liberals and listen to them on the radio or TV. I used to look like Brad Pitt.
Where there is drama there is sure to be a queen.
And where there is a queen, there is sure to be a court full of jesters . . . .
Speaking of drama ... NJ Gov. Christie has just lambasted the House Repubs for not dealing with Sandy ... seems the court was full of jerkers and not jesters.
And when you put it all together, you have the Romney Court.
I'd be shocked if Cantor doesn't try to backstab Boehner.
I love all the pics with him smirking in the background like the little diva that could... He's a special brand of stupid, lying in wait and ready to fight for what all "rill merkin pipple" have been duped, induced, or race-baited into believing...
Cantor scares me. I'm smart enough to know it. ☺
Re-elected Speaker? I'll believe it when I see it.
I still doubt it.
They need to step up and put Ryan in place of Boehner
jack - your avitar is sooooo appropriate. Paul Ryan in as speaker? What a joke!
When i look at Cantor, I see the devil in his eyes. Creepy, creepy.
TO: jack-1792739 who wrote:
Yeah, great idea.
Republicans are already on the brink of never being able to win another national election.
Paul Ryan would seal that deal and make it a guaranty that no Republicans get in office.
American Girl - but remember Ryan can run a marathon is about 2 hours! Yeah, we need that lying piece of garbage heading anything!!! NOT!!!!
When I look at Cantor, I can't help but think that the man should not be left alone with small children.
Shockedanddisgusted (#4.9):
I feel the same way about Paul Ryan.
Totally gives me the creeps.
Jean321 - Yeah...They're both creepy. I would just keep Paul Ryan away from small boys but Cantor? Hell - I'd keep him away from boys, girls and kitty cats...
I never knew that the Speaker of the House didn't have to be a member of the House. In that case, how about Colin Powell?
I'm guessing that was Boner's PLAN C last night. It's called "Cut and Run"
Fetch Grover, fetch... your "Screw the Democrates Oath" isn't worth the paper it's written on.
Sending that $60 billion aid package to victims of the Sandy Superstorm should have been a no-brainer; it would have happened if we had a no-Boehner.
But NASCAR got it's pork, I see.
Coming hot down off the high bank at Talladega draws waaaay more attention in the form of cash than simply funding a rebuilding effort while people are destitute and forced onto the streets due to a natural disaster... Just ask whoever sponsors the next patriotic moment of silence at Bristol!
Republicans should be thrilled by the NASCAR tax cuts. Don't they love lower taxes? And NASCAR?
The reason Sandy aid WASN'T passed is BECAUSE of all the pork in it. What about rebuilding fisheries in the south has to do with a hurricane in the northeast? And the Smithsonian needs a new roof and this is where the funding should come from? They did good not to just pass it. $60 billion when it should be about half of that.
Your Obama* sent billions to terrorist sponsoring countrys.
Guess again Corey the feds will get more illegals then there is in the population of your town in the next 2 years. there will be no illegals voting in 4 years.
Well, "talk to the hand"...here I thought that it was the responsibility of the Speaker of the House to show some leadership ability, cut the pork and rally his party to pass the legislation needed to help the American public as soon as possible.
Boehner fails to do his job, fails to lead his party to do what is in the best interest of the American people and, no surprise, you teabaggers sit around with your thumbs up your nether regions...simply hating the President and completely incapable of holding your elected officials responsible for what the American taxpayers are PAYING THEM TO DO.
If the you teabaggers weren't so dumb and completely brainwashed, the blatant hypocrisy would be comical. Now your fellow Americans will continue to suffer due to YOUR inability to hold their elected officials accountable. (did I broach the subjects of "teabaggers" and "accoutability" in the same paragraph??? Silly me...)
Iamnotyou - again, proof for your lies. You can't prove it because it is only true in your demented mind. The Feds have been deporting more illegals since President Obama took office than at any time in the past. And, THAT is fact! Few if any illegals voted this past election.
Do you realize, "iamnotyou" that the article being commented on is in regards to whether or not Boehner will remain Speaker of the House?
Your irrelevant ramblings make you look like a total whack job...either that or you are just not smart enough to understand what a topic of conversation is. Oh...it could be that you are a deceitful liar trying to do everything to deflect from the fact that John Boehner is the worst Speaker we have seen in our lifetime.
Which is it, "iamnotyou"? Crazy, stupid or dishonest??
"iamnotyou" is like that smelly, nasty, ugly kid in grade school that wipes his boogers on people and then runs away.
Hey spirit your stupidity is showing -- as usual -- it wasn't 60 billion for Sandy -- do your own research the bill was loaded with PORK. But then again you dems have no skin in the game like us taxpayers! It's because of people like you we are in this mess!
Don't worry, next year they will all be voted out and the democrats will regain control. Also they will spend lots of money and everything will get better.
See post 4.1 above Corey... I inadvertently left out "party-baiting"... You should look into your allegation that Democrats spend (the inference being that republicans don't in comparison). They're quite comparable, the only obvious difference being that the republicans spend it on people who don't really need it that bad.
Unfortunately, not likely that the Republicans will lose control after 2014. Fewer people will vote in 2014, raising the possibility that the Republicans might actually get the majority of the diminished popular vote. More imporatntly, there are 220 districts with an R+5 rating, meaning that to get even the tiniest of majorities in the House, the Democrats will need to get 54-56% of the popular votes. The Republican Party may be doing its best to commit suicide, but it is not killing itself off that quickly.
The Speaker of the House Does Not Have to be a Member of Congress?
Stephen Colbert, Destiny is calling!
It would be amazing. But pretty much impossible. It is true that the Constitution only provides that:
"The House of Representatives shall chuse [sic] their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment."
There is no requirement that the Speaker be a House member. However, no Speaker in the history of the United States has not been a member. As a practical matter, the House is going to support a member of their caucus, not an outsider. So it COULD happen legally, but it won't.
"As a practical matter, the House is going to support a member of their caucus, not an outsider."
Maybe it's just that I'm having a really, really bad day here, and I'm not in the mood to be the little miss goody-two-shoes that I usually am, but that just reminded me of the story First Read wrote one time about a quote attributed to the late great Mo Udall from Arizona:
"I have learned the difference between a cactus and a caucus. On a cactus, the pricks are on the outside."
SL Cabbie
I nominate the honorable ALFORD E. NEWMAN for speaker of the house !!
Do I have any seconds ?????? It would be impossible for Alford to be worse then the weeper of the house we just had.
"The speaker does not have to be a member of Congress"
In that case, I hereby nominate Jon Stewart. I've finally gotten around to reading his book "America: The Book" this past week and trust me, he knows a LOT more about how Congress really works than anybody who's actually in it!
Oops - I see SL Cabbie beat me to the punch! Hey, I could live with Colbert, too.....
Stephen Colbert or Jon Stewart .... hmmmm ... I'm picking Jon just because he's so easy on the eyes.
Thanks for the book recommend JoAnne!
Happy New Year.
On second thought, considering the job description, maybe one of these guys would be a better choice:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_MaJDK3VNE
That's true, but its never happened. And I almost forgot, the Speaker is 2nd in line of succession to the President, right behind the VP, which is kind of scary.
All I want to know is, whose bright idea was it to raise my taxes by eliminating the payroll tax cut? I understand this is going to pay Social Security, but geesh, it's going to hurt. I live on the edge as it is. When they reform SS they just better reduce payments to the wealthiest, that's all I've got to say.
Amy, you know that was a temporary cut. There is no way the payroll tax cut could be permanent. Nobody likes paying more money, I know, but the reality is that our country is broke and we are all going to be paying more money one way or another.
The federal government owns 650 million acres of land. They aren't broke by a long shot.
Wouldn't it be funny if Speaker Boehner said thanks, but no thanks, to another term? Who could blame him if he did?
only if...praying for a miracle....
He refuses to have a bill come before the congress for relief of Sandy victims? SCREW Boehner! If people in his state needed relief man he would drop everything else for them but because it's NY/NJ ...
Remember... Governor Christie acted civil toward toward a half-black President just because he did a good job... That's likely enough to get everyone in his state punished by the repud-lickin house in one way or another. They don't take too kindly to somebody going against their Clan in publiK. (sorry about the spelling errors, i must be dyslexic.)
The gov of NJ is blasting republicans right now at a press conference, I never liked this guy from the beginning, but I am developing more respect for him, his whole demeanor has changed from when I first heard him speak as a Gov. But changing your tune is often the case when you are the one actually in need of assistance. Nothing changes a conservative republican who professes self reliance into a liberal democrat faster than a pink slip, or in this case having your state wrecked by a hurricane, I would not be shocked if Christy switched party affiliation before he ends his political career.
No Christy is just doing the BUSH two-step. Say you're a conservative but think up (or in Christie's case-natural disater) a reason to suck off the tax dollar tit. Make it seem like our country depends on the money being borrowed to save us as a whole. I'd give the money to NY and NJ but, no love for the messenger. He's a repuke and always will be.
No Christy is just doing the BUSH two-step. Say you're a conservative but think up (or in Christie's case-natural disater) a reason to suck off the tax dollar t-t. Make it seem like our country depends on the money being borrowed to save us as a whole. I'd give the money to NY and NJ but, no love for the messenger. He's a repuke and always will be.
I have to agree with steve on this one. Christie is a bully who has been temporarily humbled by a natural disaster of epic proportion...and that it precisely how much of a disaster it would have taken to humble this man.
Once Jersey is up and running he will be back to self-promotion and self-aggrandizement.
It is fun, nonetheless, to watch him tweak his fellow Republicans.
The whole bully things is precisely what I did not care for, however often when a bully is finally humbled they change their ways for good, only time will tell. He did seem sincerely grateful for the presidents help, he has taken a lot of heat from his party, and is calling them out in public, I have to give him credit for that.
Christie is just doing his job. Same thing Jindal does when a bad hurricane hits Louisiana. The squeaky wheel does get the oil.
I hope the vast majority who are not interested in politics are at least paying attention to this.
How poor people and underpaid people and people without jobs can be so stupid as to vote for the red side
is absolutely beyond me.
Here! Here! I will never understand how broke M-therF--kers still will side with a political party who could give two sh-ts about their welfare. I've waited and still am waiting for a reasonable explanation for that.
Steve,
They've been led to believe that being asked to park the cars at the Country Club still means they are members.
Sad, really.
I do my best to disspell the notion a repuke cares about less fortunate.
Incestwo: That was kind of funny. Those poor, uneducated, ignorant people get hoodwinked every election. No different this time. Obama plays the class warfare game, the big, bad, wealthy people don't care about you and will cut all of those entitlements that you have grown so comfortable with. Then they vote and are forgotten about as usual. It's a darn shame the liberals won't do anything to help people become more self sufficient, but then again, they would lose the majority of their voting base.
jack -oh you mean like the poor, ignorant, idiots who elected Bush, twice?
Your stupidity is showing big time since your lies have been debunked over and over again and even denounced by Republican leadership (okay, I almost choked typing "Republican" and "leadership" in the same sentence.)
President Obama won because he was the best person running and because he has shown great leadership in a troubled time - something Republicans don't understand.
Keep seeking it; hopefully you'll find it one day.
jack - nope! Keep seeking sanity in the Republican party but as you and others of your ilk show, there is absolutely NO sanity to be found in the GOP!
It just boggles the mind that a person that chooses, of all the images in the world, the image of Jack Nicholson sticking his head through the door after hacking it with an ax in "The Shining" as the image to best represent himself and what he stands for...and then lectures someone else about sanity.
Looking for smarts among the teabaggers...It's hopeless.
Boehner and the Republicans in Washington have NOT been able to work with the President! Boehner needs to be not only out of his Leader of the House job, but out of his Congress Job! I don't think the President and the Democratic politicians in Washington are perfect...They aren't and some certainly don't deserve their jobs! But I believe the President is actually trying to do the job we elected him for. I would like to see one...just ONE politician come forward and say look, we do have to cut spending, BUT rather than cut more programs that help the poor, the disabled, the middle-class, I am willing to take a 10% pay cut. And I am willing to cut out some of the perks of my job. The Republicans were constantly saying we can't spend money we don't have...Well, if we don't have money to help those less fortunate, then we DON'T have money to pay these guys their big salaries along with all their perks such as top of the line Health Care! Do we have even ONE Democrat or Republican candidate that is willing to do that? I don't think so!
Peter principle, however, believe Cantor will attempt a pounce, Ryan shut out for his vote, but Cantor--now there is an evil little gnome. Wanted to slap him for the smirk, ironic moment Cantor carrying a brown bag--lunch, snack, or brown-bagged fortification for th ordeal unfolding? Tomorrow hopefully Harry will change filibuster rules tomorrow--whoopee, welcome, Elizabetth, Angus, Clair, etal to the Senate, so sorry my sized 9 1/2 wasn't available to bid DeMint, West, Mack, Arkin, Walsh, Mourdock, etc., a swifter adieu, sorry boys gone and forgotten--stay gone., need to get rid a few more of the bagged infestation plaguing the body polotic, sort of like lice, comb out the nits.
Ah, skyparrot, pure poetry. Thank you.
Cantor is Jewish, and we all know what all those white trash bigots from the Tea Party think about that.
Yeah, I think Jews are only one-rung above the Blahs, as Santorum likes to call 'em.
Maybe the Republicans should vote for Pelosi. Even she is starting to look good compared to Boehner and Cantor!
I want a dem as speaker but even Pelosi will sell out a dem to make a deal. She just wants to do whatever the POTUS wants. It showed last night when she delivered the majority of votes. As a Dem, I wanted to go over the cliff. I wanted repuke blood.
Pelosi never looked good to either party -- she must have known the right people. BTW, Pelosi likes California. She should stay there since she spends part of her time flying back and forth (taxpayers pay for this most likely).
Our great pres. is in Hawaii again. I don't believe these people like D.C. at all. Can't say that I blame them. I've been there once and did not care for it.
Pelosi , feinstein, Biden are getting senile. just watch their hands shaking when they are at rest.
Iamnotyou - it appears YOU are the one who is senile and every post you make re-enforces that assessment.
Wow, "gerri" you shore is smart...
Did it ever occur to you that Speaker Pelosi LIVES in California? Pretty astute of you to remark that she LIKES California. Apparently, her district in California likes her too...
How on Earth did you figure out how to turn on a computer - and can we slap the person that taught you how?
The voice of the "tea" party...No wonder your representatives suck.
What a boner!
Buy as many guns as you can and as fast as you can. The GOP are all fakes, they put on this show but at the end of the day they are just as bad if not worse then the Dems on overspending and Constitutional rights. "Wake up" it's not about Dems vs Rep. It's about Government and Corporations vs the people. This debt bubble will burst. What happens after that is unknown but it will burst.
Speaking of guns, Grover Norquist and the NRA's Wayne LaPierre should share a cell at GITMO.
Congress, save the drama for your mama and give me 20.
Another term? ask Sandy victims if he deserves another term. WTF!
Could not agree more! Are we not all Americans anymore? Help those poor folks out!
This is a prime opportunity for votes to remove a person before he becomes more entrenched in the
"millionaires group". Every sitting congressman needs to be replace, both democrats and republicans. We need people who will put party behind them and work for the good of all American people. The sitting Congress now could care less about the people--only about themselves. It's time to rid the USA of detrimental representation at the federal level. Congressmen/women should retire ONLY on their Social Security benefits. Cut the inflated retirement and put term limits of four years on both the House and Senate. In addition to that, cut expense accounts which are drowning the American people. Make it so they stay "home" and "entertain" on a level commensurate with their voters' ability to entertain. Enough show and extravagant spending. These positions are not a "cradle to the grave" position, although some have almost made it.
Maybe we'll get lucky and he gets hit by a bus while crossing the street! LOL
ozzie -
See, this is where you have to ask yourself: "Would this post be as "LOL" hilarious if somebody on the other side wrote it about Nancy Pelosi? Or President Obama?"
No. It wouldn't. And it's not. So don't. I'd like to keep believing we're better than that.....
Mr. B By A GOP Default -- WOW -- John Your Folks Are Really Behind You -- Real Far Behind You!
And Only Because There Is A GOP Button On Your Jacket -- Not Because Your The Right Man For The Job!
The GOP Doesn't Want Eric & Nancy -- Even If Nancy Would Do A Better Job!
Second Chance -- Maybe Try Being Speaker Of The Whole House Rather Than Speaker Of The GOP In The House Would Work Out Better For You!
Yes! It Certainly Does Look Like The Tech Guy Fixed That Little Problem Where The Caps And The Exclamation Point Weren't Working On Your Keyboard!
We Are All Very Happy For You And Glad That They Are Working Better For You!
But Boy, Is It Ever Giving The Rest Of Us A Headache Now!!!!!!! :)
JoAnne
hAPPY nEW yEAR
tHIS bETTER fOR yOU & yOUR hEADACHE ?
:-)
my wife & daughter have the same complaint -- i'll work on it just for you.
I humble myself before you.
CMCPO -
Err....never mind, I think I liked it better the first way - but hey, thanks for having a sense of humor; that's really rare around here. (Humility even more so......)
My condolences to your wife and daughter! :-)
I would like to believe that the GOP will have enough sense not to re-elect this fool; however, they all fall into line and do as they are told to do by the higher ups in the GOP, so bonehead's re-election seems to be unavoidable. Too bad for the American people. Ohio, get with it and get rid of this clown in 2014.
This is a man who doesnt get the mood of the American people and who would not take Gov Christie's call last night at 11:30 after they took the aid package out for all the Sandy victims. This is in my opinon a man with no spine and and as far as I am concerned (as a republican) he and Cantor could go tomorrow and not be missed!!
a crying whimp...right up there with Bush and Cheney...
come on GOP is this all you got...
sunmoonstars - come on GOP is this all you got Unfortunately, it is!
Sunmoonstars...Just look at the comments being barfed out by the teabagers posting on the site. It's not like were dealing with the reasonably intelligent, honest people that represent the majority of the American public. The crap that they vote for represents the crap that they are...so...yeah. This is the best that they are capable of coming up with.