(Bloomberg) — John Boehner faces a long-shot challenge to his leadership from at least two U.S. House Republicans who say the speaker is too aligned with business-as-usual in Washington.
Reps. Louie Gohmert of Texas and Ted Yoho of Florida said they would offer their names as alternatives to Boehner when Congress convenes a new session Tuesday. Their chances of ousting Boehner as speaker are slim, because about 30 Republicans would have to oppose his re-election to the post.
The steep odds aren't stopping them from trying.
In announcing his candidacy for speaker in a Fox News interview today, Gohmert said it's "really time for a change." Yoho disclosed his plans to run yesterday, writing on Facebook that opposing Boehner is "a vote against the status quo."
Gohmert and other House members, many of whom identify themselves as Tea Party members, have a long list of grievances against Boehner. The complaints include that he has been too willing to compromise with Democrats and that he has allowed some measures — such as the Violence Against Women Act — to pass with more votes from Democrats than Republicans.
