“I totally endorse Kevin McCarthy for RNC Chair. Kevin is nicely organized and a really high-revenue fundraiser,” Gaetz
posted on X. “He may even be popular with the RNC Committee.”
It might be a shocking about-face for Gaetz to endorse McCarthy for something — not to mention head of the RNC throughout an election yr. The Florida Republican
led the hassle to oust McCarthy as speaker final fall, inspiring the California Republican
to say Gaetz belongs in jail.
McCarthy didn’t reply to a request for remark.
However a few of Gaetz’s colleagues weren’t satisfied the Florida consultant’s endorsement was so real.
“My preliminary thought was Matt positive is aware of tips on how to troll,” fellow Florida Republican Rep. Byron Donalds mentioned regarding the endorsement. “I assumed it was tongue in cheek.”
“I famous a twinge of sarcasm in that remark,” mentioned Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), who voted with Gaetz to oust McCarthy of the speakership.
What was Gaetz’s rationale for his endorsement? “The RNC Chair doesn’t make any coverage choices, set any agenda, or negotiate in opposition to Democrats, ever,” Gaetz mentioned in his submit — a touch at a few of his causes for main the combat to take away McCarthy from the speakership.
He added, “Kevin can be terrific.”
Different Florida Republicans thought, no matter Gaetz’s intentions, McCarthy can be an incredible candidate for the place. The previous speaker is thought for his fundraising talents — one thing that introduced him to the highest Home place. In the meantime many within the celebration have soured on McDaniel for low fundraising numbers.
“That’s a tip of the hat to Gaetz to get someone with new power, new perspective and a confirmed observe report of being only a large fundraiser,” Rep. Aaron Bean (R-Fla.) mentioned, including that McCarthy helped him get elected. “In case you’re searching for someone to construct a majority, I feel Kevin McCarthy can be the man.”
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) mentioned McCarthy ought to do no matter he desires to do subsequent however that he “did a heck of a job as speaker.” Diaz-Balart had not seen the submit from Gaetz, however solely had one response to the endorsement.
“That’s fascinating,” Diaz-Balart mentioned with a smile “That’s fascinating.”
