House Speaker John Boehner surprised colleagues today by announcing plans to resign the post in October.
Republican factions have been warring over several issues, including on whether to force a government shutdown to stop federal money to Planned Parenthood.
Significance for Arkansas? Mostly in that the delegation has four votes to cast on the next speaker. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is mentioned as a potential candidate for speaker. Who knows. Maybe that could, in turn, present an opening for Majority Whip Steve Scalise to move up. Rep. Steve Womack is a deputy whip and active player in House politics. So there’s that.
Womack issued a statement on the news:
John Boehner is a great man with arguably the most difficult job in public service, and in spite of that, he has led with distinction and compassion during a period of great difficulty. He loves our members, the institution, and our country. It shows. I thank him for doing this tireless job and wish him the best in his retirement.