The GOP is circulating a unity pledge to support the chosen nominee for the position of speaker.
A Republican legislator is trying to prevent division within the GOP by committing to support any nominee chosen as the third Speaker of the House.
Rep. Mike Flood from Nebraska is advocating for his fellow lawmakers to endorse a unity pledge. This pledge would obligate them to back the chosen candidate for the position of next speaker designate, irrespective of their identity.
More than six Republicans have expressed their interest in running for the position of speaker following a decision made in a private meeting to remove Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio as their chosen candidate.
Mr. Flood’s pledge would also require that a lawmaker who signs it will vote for the nominee on the House floor “for as long as they remain” the nominee. Mr. Jordan tried and failed three times to secure the speakership, losing votes each time he brought the matter to the floor.
“I cannot reword”
The list of candidates confirmed by The Washington Times includes Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota and Reps. Byron Donalds of Florida, Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, Mike Johnson of Louisiana, Jack Bergman of Michigan and Pete Sessions of Texas.
As of now, the only individuals who have openly expressed their support for the pledge are Mr. Hern and Mr. Bergman. A reliable source informed The Washington Times that Mr. Emmer is also in favor of the pledge.
The Washington Times has contacted the other candidates to inquire about their support for Mr. Flood’s commitment. All of them voted in favor of Mr. Jordan in the three rounds on the House floor.
The number of individuals competing for the leadership position may increase during the weekend. Legislators who wish to participate in the race have until Sunday at noon to express their interest. Subsequently, there will be a private forum for the candidates, where each aspiring leader will present their case to the conference.
A vote behind closed doors is anticipated to take place on Tuesday. At that point, it will have been 21 days since former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was removed from his position.
