Rep. Steve King stunned congressional insiders Friday when he announced that several of his colleagues were actively “considering” removing Speaker Paul Ryan from office ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, reports the Hill.
“It’s kind of odd that he has as much power as he has,” said King.
“But I do predict, and it is happening, that that power is diminishing. I also have got information that there are — I’ll say ‘members’ — I say that plurally, with knowledge, that are considering introducing a motion to vacate the chair,” King added. “If they do that, that will throw this place into a tizzy and force the kind of election for a Speaker that may bring out someone who is a lot stronger on this.”
Speculation surrounding Ryan’s future as Speaker has been swirling since he announced his impending retirement earlier this year, with many calling for new leadership as GOP voters make their pitch to voters this fall.
“From the time that Paul Ryan announced that he would be retiring at the end of this Congress, his juice has been diminished day by day by day,” King added. “It’s not a personal thing. It’s just a function of how things work.”
Read the full story at the Hill.
RYAN RETIRES: Paul Ryan WILL NOT Seek Re-election in 2018
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan will not run for re-election in 2018 multiple sources have told Fox News; stunning Washington and kick-starting a party-wide power struggle over who will replace the outgoing GOP leader.
According to inside sources -first reported in Axios– Rep. Ryan reportedly feels the recently passed GOP tax cuts were the culmination of his Speakership and is planning a transition into private life over the next year.
The Speaker also came under fire weeks ago from President Trump and fellow Republicans over his $1.3 trillion omnibus spending package.
Paul Ryan was catapulted into the national spotlight when he ran alongside GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney in the 2012 race for the White House. He has served as Speaker of the House of Representatives since 2015.
The Speaker’s decision places even greater importance on the upcoming 2018 midterm elections, with both Democrats and Republicans vying to control the House and Senate.
Rep. Ryan is expected to announce his decision to leave Congress as early as Wednesday.
RYAN SPEAKS: Paul Ryan ANNOUNCES His Retirement from Congress
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan officially announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election and retire at the end of his term; telling reporters that “this job doesn’t last forever” and he’s “incredibly proud” of his achievements.
“You realize something when you take this job: It’s a big job with a lot riding on you and you can feel it. You also know that this is a job that doesn’t last forever,” said Ryan.
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“That inspires you to do big things, and on that score, I think we have achieved a heck of a lot,” he added. “You all know that I did not seek this job, I took it reluctantly. But I have given this job everything that I have, and I have no regrets whatsoever for having accepted this responsibility.”
“I will be setting new priorities in my life, but I’m also leaving incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said the Speaker.
Watch Ryan’s comments above.