As the U.S. House of Representatives enters its third week without a speaker, Alabama’s Gary Palmer is among nine Republicans expected to make their pitches for the nomination today.
“The American people are desperate for authentic leadership, leaders who will work to move the nation forward,” Palmer, R-Birmingham, said in a statement Sunday. “As Republicans, we must show a contrast. There is a distinct difference between our vision for a prosperous and strong America and the vision of the Democrats that has done so much harm.
“This is why I decided to step forward in the race for speaker of the house. To do what I can to put our differences behind us and unite Republicans behind a clear path forward, so we can do our job for the benefit of the American people.”
Alabama Daily News reported Palmer’s interest in the House’s top leadership spot on Sunday. The others include House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Republican Conference Vice Chair Mike Johnson, Republican Study Committee Chair Kevin Hern (Okla.), Reps. Byron Donalds (Fla.), Austin Scott (Ga.), Jack Bergman (Mich.), Pete Sessions (Texas), and Dan Meuser (Pa.).
A conference candidate forum is scheduled for today. The conference is then expected to vote on Tuesday.
Ohio’s Jim Jordan tried and failed three times last week to win the speakership, shedding GOP support with each vote. With Republicans in control of the House, 221-212, any candidate can lose only a few detractors.
Republicans predict the House could essentially stay closed until the mid-November deadline for Congress to approve funding or risk a federal government shutdown, The Associated Press reported.
Palmer is in his fifth term — you can read more about a possible sixth term in today’s edition of Inside Alabama Politics.
“Because of reckless government policies, Americans across the country are struggling to make ends meet, to afford groceries, gas and other everyday necessities. Families are worried about the safety of their children because our cities are riddled with crime and fentanyl is flooding across our borders,” Palmer’s Sunday statement said.
“… If we ignore these issues, America will decline into the footnotes of history. This doesn’t need to be our future, but how do we change our course? It starts with steady, conservative leadership.
That’s what Republicans can offer the country if we come together and unite behind new leadership and a common vision in the House of Representatives focusing on the things that matter to the American people.”