(Mark Pellin, Headline USA) As Republicans appear on the cusp of regaining majority control of the U.S. House, and an internal party dispute unfolds to challenge the leadership of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, firmly anti-establishment, MAGA firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., urged her colleagues to back the ultra-establishment, current minority leader.
At the same time, pro-MAGA Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., blasted any votes that would promote McCarthy to House speaker.
Greene told Steve Bannon’s War Room that it would be a “bad strategy” to challenge McCarthy’s leadership role, as it might open the door for even an even worse future.
Greene said that a split in the Republican House conference could potentially enable Democrats to manufacture enough votes to hand the speaker’s gavel to lame-duck Rep. Liz Cheney, RINO-Wyo., in a move that would nullify any clout Republicans reaped from what has already been a disappointing midterm.
“Here’s the harsh reality, and I’m going to lay it out very clearly for everyone watching,” Greene told Bannon. “There are Republicans in our conference right now that would make a deal with the Democrats to crossover,” and hijack the speakership.
“It’s very, very risky right now to produce a leadership challenge, especially for speaker of the house, when they are going to open the door and allow Liz Cheney, possibly, to become speaker,” Greene said.
Her comments came in the wake of former House Freedom Caucus chairman Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., reportedly planning to challenge McCarthy’s leadership role.
Asked by Bannon what assurances Greene could provide that McCarthy would follow through on investigations into the Biden administration on multiple fronts, if the GOP regained a House majority, Greene said she had an insider’s perspective that made her comfortable backing McCarthy.
“I’ve done the groundwork. I know exactly the temperature of the conference,” Greene said.
“When it comes to investigations, I’ve had those conversations with Kevin McCarthy. I’ve questioned him in detail about what he will and what he won’t do. So I feel confident.”
Gaetz, another MAGA stalwart, had exactly the opposite opinion and warned Greene that she was being taken for a ride.
“Whatever Kevin has promised Majorie Taylor Greene, I guarantee you this, at the first opportunity he will zap her faster than you can say Jewish space laser,” Gaetz told Lindell TV.
“I wish that wasn’t the case, but it is the conduct and the pattern and practice of Kevin McCarthy over years that showcase this.”
Gaetz also told Charlie Kirk that he knew, “There are definitely at least five people, actually a lot more than that, who would rather be waterboarded by Liz Cheney than vote for Kevin McCarthy for Speaker of the House.”
Gaetz declined to produce any specific names, but made it clear where he stood.
“I’m not voting for him tomorrow and I’m not voting for him on the floor,” Gaetz said. “And I am certain that there is a critical mass of people who hold my precise view.”
