Jim Jordan Scrambles to Flip GOP Skeptics Ahead of Speaker Vote
The full-court press by Rep. Jim Jordan to strong-arm his “never Jordan” detractors into backing his bid for House speaker has been met with some raised eyebrows in recent days, but the aggressive play seems to be working, with several holdouts announcing on Monday they would throw their weight behind the Ohio Republican.
On Sunday, at least 55 House Republicans remained opposed to Jordan’s nomination—far from a majority of the caucus, but more than enough to effectively kill his hopes of winning the speakership. By Monday, however, four key lawmakers who trumpeted their opposition to Jordan last week indicated they were changing course.
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL), the chair of the Armed Services Committee, said in a statement that he planned to support Jordan after having had “two cordial, thoughtful, and productive conversations” over the weekend about Rogers’ legislative priorities, including defense spending, funding levels, and agricultural policy. Rogers told reporters last Friday that there was nothing Jordan could do to secure his vote, The Hill reported at the time.