What You Need to Know About Daniel Webster, Who Is Running Against Boehner for Speaker
Melissa Quinn /
A late challenger to House Speaker John Boehner has emerged in the 11th hour as lawmakers gather to address their first order of business.
Florida Rep. Daniel Webster, who served as speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, has emerged as a viable opponent to current Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, just one hour before lawmakers elect a new top Republican.
It appears I will be nominated for Speaker of the House. I am humbled and honored by the confidence many of my colleagues have placed in me.
— Daniel Webster (@RepWebster) January 6, 2015
Buzz about Webster’s bid continues to spread as Democrats and Republicans as the 114th Congress convenes. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, who said he won’t vote for Boehner, called on conservatives to support Webster.
“I’m confident that he’s a good candidate for this job, and I do not expect him at all to reject it. I expect his name will be brought forward, and I think there will be votes for Daniel Webster,” King told National Review Online.
Webster will begin his third term in the House this year and serves on the Rules and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees.
He served in the Florida legislature for 28 years.
To win the No. 1 Republican spot, a candidate must receive 218 votes from lawmakers. Democrats will nominate Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
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Fifteen Republicans have said they’re not voting for Boehner. Two of those, Reps. Louie Gohmert of Texas and Ted Yoho of Florida, formally announced challenges to the Ohio Republican.
To stop Boehner from winning a majority of lawmakers’ votes on the first ballot, 29 GOP lawmakers must oppose him.
A communications staffer to a conservative Republican told The Daily Signal yesterday 20 have confirmed their opposition to the current speaker.
Daniel Webster is starting to get buzz as a candidate for speaker. His friends are surprised. They say a last-min bid isn't his style.
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) January 6, 2015
Marlin Stutzman says he talked to Daniel Webster this morning and Webster is running for Speaker. Webster won't answer questions.
— Matt Fuller (@MEPFuller) January 6, 2015
Rep. Massie reports there's a 3rd candidate for Speaker: Daniel Webster, R-Fla. + 17 official pledges to vote for someone othet than Boehner
— Emma Dumain (@Emma_Dumain) January 6, 2015
Gohmert confirms Dan Webster of Florida will allow himself to be nominated for Speaker
— Ben Jacobs (@Bencjacobs) January 6, 2015
Daniel Webster is officially running for Speaker of the US House.
— Matthew Boyle (@mboyle1) January 6, 2015
Conservatives see Daniel Webster as man they'll flock to if they push vote to 2d ballot. 35-40 rs need to vote against Boehner to get there
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) January 6, 2015