Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) is not looking kindly at the current challenges to House Speaker John Boehner’s leadership post.
“I don’t think they are very serious and frankly they are disappointing” Cole, a Boehner ally, told MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” panel of those challenging Boehner.
According to Cole, those who are looking to take on Boehner, could have done so during the conference elections — which resulted in a Boehenr victory.
“Any of these people that wanted to run, could have run the conference elections and none of them did, so by going out and not voting for the conference choice, you’re not attacking John Boehner, you’re really attacking the Republican conference that you say you’re part of,” Cole said.
To date, Reps. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) and Ted Yoho (R-FL) have offered their names as possible alternatives to Boehner’s Speakership and others have already announced they will not be voting for Boehner as Speaker.
“I find it frankly unprofessional and pretty disappointing,” Cole added.
Those who have already announced their opposition to Boehner include, Reps. David Brat (R-VA), Steve King (R-IA), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Jim Bridenstine (R-OK), Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), Walter Jones (R-NC) and Thomas Massie (R-KY).
Early Monday morning, Rep. Bridenstine said he expected more Republicans to announce no votes for Boehner.
“If this vote fit the Progressive agenda, the media would be calling us a “Gang of Nine.” Monday, we will be in double digits. The Congress is hearing the people,” he said.
Follow Caroline May on Twitter @c_maydc
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