U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., was elected speaker of the House on Thursday even as four congressional representatives from Florida broke from their parties to support dark horse candidates.
On Thursday, Ryan won 236 votes, enough to win the gavel as most Republicans supported him. Ryan won 200 votes when Republicans caucused on Wednesday and voted on who to replace outgoing U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio. U.S. Rep. Dan Webster pulled nine votes on the House floor on Thursday, after garnering 43 votes in the caucus.
Ryan moves up from his post as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. Previously the chair of the House Budget Committee, Ryan was former Gov. Mitt Romney’s, R-Mass., running mate on the 2012 Republican ticket.
"Today Speaker Ryan proposed reforms to the House that will allow all members to more effectively represent their communities and he articulated a bold vision for a more prosperous future for all Americans - especially the least fortunate,” said U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla. “I congratulate him and his family and look forward to serving under his leadership."
Webster, who came up short in his challenge to Boehner at the start of the year, pledged his support to Ryan after the vote.
“I look forward to working with Speaker Ryan and each one of my colleagues to replace the pyramid of power with a principle-based Congress,” Webster announced.
U.S. Rep. Curt Clawson, R-Fla., stuck with Webster until the end and voted for his fellow Florida Republican.
“We turned the page today in the U.S House of Representatives,” Clawson said on Thursday. “As I voted on the floor today, I was steadfast in my belief that it was ‘not time to promote from within.’ We arrived at this crossroads in the midst of Washington dysfunction and business-as-usual: last-minute budget gimmicks and deferring the tough spending choices we are elected to make. As I have traveled across Southwest Florida and received messages from the constituents I represent, it was more than apparent that supporting our fellow Floridian, Daniel Webster, was the right choice.
“With the vote today completed, it is now upon us, as elected representatives, to move ahead as a team,” Clawson added. “It is paramount that we work to the best of our ability with our new speaker, Paul Ryan, to face the challenges that lie ahead. Speaker Ryan has my respect and attention. His job will not be easy, but we wish him the best to do what is right for our great nation.”
Two other Florida Republicans--U.S. Reps. Bill Posey and Ted Yoho--also voted for Webster on the House floor. Ryan and Webster did not vote.
U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., pulled 186 votes but three Democrats broke and voted for other candidates. All Democrats from Florida save for U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, D-Fla., cast their votes for Pelosi.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), had kind words for Ryan and Boehner on Thursday.
“I served with Congressman Ryan on the Budget Committee and over the years, we have gotten to know one another as working parents who split time between our home states and Washington, DC,” Wasserman Schultz said after the vote. “I am hopeful that under his leadership, House Republicans will reach across the aisle and work with Democrats to advance American priorities like economic growth for the middle class, comprehensive immigration reform, college affordability and student loan debt relief, and paid family leave.
“I will be sure to extend my hand in cooperation if in return, the priorities of the American people are placed at the top of the agenda,” she continued. “We will continue to be a strong voice to amplify the people's voices, who deserve the opportunity to build the cornerstones of a middle class life: a good job, a roof over their head, a quality education, access to quality, affordable health care and a secure retirement. I also congratulate John Boehner and his family on his service to this nation, the House of Representatives and the state of Ohio, and wish him good health and happiness.”
Graham cast her vote for U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn., just as she did earlier in the year.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
