Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert has launched a petition supporting his candidacy for speaker of the House of Representatives.
Gohmert announced Sunday that he is going to challenge John Boehner for the House speakership, a move that calls attention to the growing rift between the Republican House leadership and the party’s conservative caucus. (RELATED: Gohmert Announces Speaker Run To Tucker Carlson)
Gohmert’s candidacy will likely help unite the numerous conservative lawmakers that plan to vote against Boehner on the House floor at noon Tuesday. Congressman including Rep. Dave Brat, who defeated Eric Cantor in a Virginia House primary in 2014, have declared their intent to vote for someone other than Boehner for speaker. Rep. Ted Yoho of Florida is also running against Boehner.
Gohmert’s tea party-supporting super PAC GOHPAC launched the petition Monday.
“The November elections gave Republicans control of the Senate and a historical majority in the House. With my vote I made it clear I want change,” Gohmert said in the introduction to his petition. “There have been numerous examples of problematic Republican leadership but I was hopeful our leaders got the voters’ message.
“However, after the speaker forced through the CRomnibus by passing it with Democratic votes and without time to read it, it is clear that we need new leadership.
By signing this petition I am affixing my name to say that it is time for principled, conservative leadership and urge you to vote for Representative Louie Gohmert for Speaker of MY House, the U.S. House of Representatives.”