Representative Steve King (R., Iowa) wants conservative lawmakers to rally around Florida representative Daniel Webster in a last-minute bid to oust House speaker John Boehner (R., Ohio).
Webster “understands that the role of any leader is to bring out the will of the group, not to impose their will on the group,” King tells National Review Online, adding that he has been discussing the idea with Webster for over two years. “I’m confident that he’s a good candidate for this job and I do not expect him at all to reject it. I expect his name will be brought forward and I think there will be votes for Daniel Webster.”
Webster was elected in 2010 with the help of Jeb Bush, who described him as “a true conservative and one of the most principled people I’ve ever met.”
Ten Republicans have stated their opposition to Boehner, but at least 29 lawmakers would need to oppose Boehner for him to lose his position.
King says that Boehner’s handling of the December lame-duck session accelerated efforts to remove him. “This is a top down power structure in the House today and the will of the people cannot come through it and neither can the voices of the members,” he says.