Dem. Leader: McCarthy Exit a ‘Sign That Republicans Are Unfit To Lead’

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) decision to drop out of the speakership race shows “deep divisions and dysfunction” among House Republicans, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) argued Thursday.

“As a result of their divisions and their efforts to disrupt Congress’s work, we’ve experienced a government shutdown, a near-default on our debt, and too many missed opportunities to grow our economy and support job creation,” Hoyer said in a statement.

He blamed the splits on GOP conservatives, not the establishment side of the GOP.

“With Speaker [John] Boehner resigning last month and Leader [Eric] Cantor losing his primary election last year, this is just the latest chapter in the history of an extreme wing of the Republican party controlling their conference,” Hoyer said.

McCarthy — the favorite to replace retiring House Speaker Boehner — announced Thursday, shortly before the caucus was to vote, that he would not run for speaker. The announcement sent shockwaves through the Capitol, forcing a postponement of the elections.

According to the Maryland Democrat, in addition to further exposing GOP divisions, McCarthy’s move to drop out is the most recent example of Republican’s lack of leadership.

“Today’s news is yet another sign that Republicans are unfit to lead the House and our country and that they will continue to prevent the House from achieving progress,” he said. “It’s bad news for the American people who expect Congress to get things done on their behalf.”