The problems the Republican Party had in 2022 that crippled the "red wave" that was supposed to hand the GOP a massive majority in the House and control of the Senate could plague them again because Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is flexing his muscles after leading the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
According to a report from Politico, the GOP leadership is growing exasperated with Gaetz for promoting alternative far-right candidates of his own choosing for seats where the party already has a candidate in mind.
To some GOP insiders, that has created worries about being stuck with unelectable candidates much like what happened in 2022 and putting hopes of controlling both chambers of Congress — and the White House — in jeopardy.
Politico's Madison Fernandez and Gary Fineout report McCarthy has been busy lining up and promoting candidates as he readies his exit from the House while Gaetz is picking his own candidates to challenge them.
Pressed on the fact that he is bucking McCarthy's work, Gaetz replied, "He’s old news. Mike Johnson’s speaker now.”
Politico notes that "the common theme among these candidates who have caught Gaetz’s attention: They’re all ultra-conservatives who are running in primaries against candidates backed by McCarthy," and then adds that Gaetz's interference is causing a "headache for national Republicans."
Pressed on the fact that he is pushing candidates who stand a strong chance of losing in possible pick-up districts, Gaetz brushed aside concerns by stating, "Primaries are a really important part of the political process. It shows the direction the party is moving.”
You can read more here.
