Republican Party News
Featuring coverage of Republican priorities, legislation, and internal debates, this section examines how the party shapes U.S. politics from a conservative perspective.
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How Nikki Haley Plans to Make South Carolina More Competitive
The governor of South Carolina has proposed lowering the state’s income tax rate from 7 percent to 5 percent, accompanied by a 10 cent hike in the state’s gas tax. In her annual State of the State address on Wednesday, Gov. Nikki Haley, R-S.C., said the state’s income tax puts it at a competitive “disadvantage.” “In order…Kate Scanlon -
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Acting Alone, Boehner Invites Netanyahu to Speak to Congress
House Speaker John Boehner has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak before Congress next month. The topic of the Feb. 11 speech will be Iran. Boehner, R-Ohio, told reporters today that he did not consult with the White House before inviting Netanyahu, saying “the Congress can make this decision on its own.” White…Ben Smith -
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Congressman Who Voted for Rand Paul as Speaker to Give Tea Party Response
Curt Clawson, a congressman from Florida’s 19th district who assumed office in 2014, has been selected by Tea Party Express to rebut the president’s State of the Union. Very honored to accept the opportunity from @TeaPartyExpress to give a response to the SOTU and offer real solutions for America’s future. — Rep. Curt Clawson (@RepCurtClawson)…Ben Smith -
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Rand Paul on Mitt Romney’s 2016 Run: ‘It’s Time for Some Fresh Blood’
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney doesn’t have the support of Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul as he explores a presidential bid. In an exclusive interview with The Daily Signal today, Paul dismissed Romney’s possible third run and said that Romney had previously failed to “attract a big enough constituency to win.” “I think he’s had his…Melissa Quinn -
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The 10 Ways Ted Cruz Thinks He Can Make Your Life Better
Ted Cruz is ready to bring big change to Washington—one bill at a time. Speaking yesterday at Heritage Action's 2015 Conservative Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., the Texas senator outlined his 10 policy goals for the new Republican-controlled Congress. In doing so, Cruz stressed the importance of the GOP fulfilling the promises it made last…Kelsey Bolar -
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60 Seconds With Ted Cruz: How Should GOP Handle Homeland Security Funding in Wake of Paris Terror Attacks?
In the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks, The Daily Signal asked Texas Sen. Ted Cruz whether he believes it is appropriate to have a debate over funding for the Department of Homeland Security in order to stop President Obama’s immigration executive actions. “At the end of the day, the person threatening DHS funding is…Kelsey Bolar -
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Boehner: ‘I’m the Most Anti-Establishment Speaker We’ve Ever Had’
House Speaker John Boehner couldn’t disagree more with conservatives who label him an “establishment” Republican and a “squish.” In fact, while speaking at his first press conference since surviving the most divisive speaker election in more than a century, the Ohio Republican argued he is the “most anti-establishment speaker we’ve ever had.” “I tell you…Melissa Quinn -
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23 Conservative Leaders Warn Boehner Not to Punish GOP Dissenters
A coalition of 23 leaders in the conservative movement today urged Speaker John Boehner not to punish Republicans who voted against him for the House’s top job. Boehner, who removed two of those dissenters from the powerful Rules Committee after the speaker vote, is now rethinking the decision, according to Politico. A total of 25…Rob Bluey -
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Mick Mulvaney Defends His Boehner Vote, Dubbing the Attempted Overthrow a ‘Fool’s Errand’
Two years ago, Rep. Mick Mulvaney learned a lesson in the often-conniving game of politics. The South Carolina conservative was part of the trickle of Republicans attempting to oust John Boehner as speaker of the House in 2013. Like Tuesday, the coup failed and Mulvaney’s hopes for greater conservative leadership ended in backlash. “Conservatives were…Natalie Johnson -
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Why So Many Republicans Wouldn’t Vote for Boehner as Speaker
Today, John Boehner won the job as speaker of the House for the new 114th Congress. He won the job despite by surviving the most divisive speaker election in more than 100 years. According to a report by the Congressional Research Service looking at House speaker races from 1913 to 2013, no other speaker has…Genevieve Wood -
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The 25 Republicans Who Did Not Vote for John Boehner
House Speaker John Boehner was elected to his third term as the No. 1 Republican in the lower chamber, but not without resistance from more than two-dozen fellow GOP lawmakers. Boehner collected 216 votes. Former speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., his closest rival, received 164. Republicans needed 29 defectors to defeat Boehner. Twenty-five lawmakers did not vote for…Paul Runko -
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John Boehner Elected to Third Term as House Speaker
Today, members of the U.S. House of Representatives elected Ohio Republican John Boehner to his third term as speaker of the House. Boehner won 216 votes of the 408 votes cast. The nominations for the top House post from Republicans were Boehner, Ted Yoho and Daniel Webster of Florida and Louie Gohmert of Texas. Democrats nominated Rep….Melissa Quinn -
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What You Need to Know About Daniel Webster, Who Is Running Against Boehner for Speaker
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…Melissa Quinn -
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The 9 Republicans Opposing House Speaker John Boehner
As lawmakers prepare to kick off the 114th Congress tomorrow, a group of nine Republican members say they won’t support House Speaker John Boehner in his quest to serve a third term as the House’s leader. Dubbed the “Gang of Nine” by Oklahoma Rep. Jim Bridenstine, who announced his opposition to Boehner last week, two…Melissa Quinn -
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‘Time for a Change’: Louie Gohmert to Challenge Boehner for House Speaker
In announcing his bid today for speaker of the House of Representative, Rep. Louie Gohmert promised to be the engine of change that conservatives have been calling for in their rebellion against the establishment wing of the Republican Party. If elected speaker, @RepLouieGohmert says he will “fight amnesty tooth and nail.” “It is time for…Josh Siegel -
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Texas, Florida Republicans Step Forward as Alternatives to Boehner for Speaker
In daring moves just days before the next election for House speaker, two Republican congressman have offered themselves as alternatives to incumbent Speaker John Boehner, the party establishment’s choice. Reps. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., and Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, announced they would oppose Boehner this weekend. The Daily Signal has learned several Republicans also are weighing a…Rob Bluey -
- Opinion
Why I Will Not Vote for John Boehner to Be House Speaker
The day after Republicans won the largest majority in the House of Representatives in almost 100 years and won a significant majority in the Senate, our liberal activist president claimed to hear the voices of all the people who didn’t vote. It was another example of stunning obstinacy from this president. It seemed Democrats were…Rep. Jim Bridenstine -
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Rand Paul Celebrates Festivus With List of Grievances, Hints at 2016
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., took to Twitter today in his second annual “airing of grievances” in celebration of “Seinfeld’s” trademark holiday, Festivus. HAPPY FESTIVUS! May ur pole be straight, ur feats be strong & your grievances be few. With love from the Costanzas – Frank, Estelle, George — jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) December 23, 2014 The…Natalie Johnson -
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Marco Rubio, Rand Paul Duke It Out Over Cuba Policy
President Obama’s new Cuba policy is sparking heated debate among potential 2016 contenders, escalating today following Sen. Marco Rubio’s attack on Sen. Rand Paul’s opposing position. The Florida senator, whose parents came to America from Cuba, told Megyn Kelly last night that Paul “has no idea what he’s talking about” regarding Cuba. Rubio was referring…Natalie Johnson -
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Jeff Sessions Bows Out of Race for Budget Chair Against Friend Mike Enzi
In a race that pitted two close friends against one another, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., has decided not to pursue the chairmanship of the Senate Budget Committee, leaving Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., as the panel’s new leader. “My good friend Mike and I have been close since we both entered the Senate together 18 years…Melissa Quinn