Dan Webster Challenged John Boehner Since 'Congress is Woefully Broken'

U.S. Rep. Dan Webster, R-Fla., offered a last-minute challenge to U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, last week. After failing to dislodge Boehner, Webster offered his reflections on his attempt on Thursday.

I ran not because of any personal slight against Speaker Boehner, but because I think our Congress is woefully broken, Webster insisted. I believe that in order for the Republican Party to be successful, we must implement a legislative process based upon principle, not on power. Members of Congress should act in a way that creates the best policy, not in a way that promotes only those with the most power. I believe that policy should be created based upon the merits of the idea, not on the position or seniority of the member who sponsored it. Power demands the right to be heard, principle earns the right to be heard.

Though many members of Congress privately supported me in my run against Speaker Boehner, I knew it would be a difficult battle, Webster added. And though I was not successful, I was humbled by the confidence placed in me by other members of Congress who voted for me despite the threat of significant consequences.