House Republican leaders are publicly projecting confidence about their chances of holding the majority in the midterms. Privately, many of their members sound far less certain.
Gathered this week at a Trump-owned resort in Doral, Fla., to coordinate strategy for the rest of the legislative year and the looming campaign season, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., struck an upbeat tone, telling reporters, "Do not bet against the House Republicans" as they try to maintain their narrow edge in the chamber.
But beneath the public optimism, there is deep frustration — and, in some cases, outright pessimism — simmering inside Johnson's conference.
"No one thinks we're keeping the majority except for the speaker," one House Republican, who requested anonymity to discuss the internal sentiment, told MS NOW.
"What's he going to go out there and say? 'We're going to lose the majority'? He can't do that," the House Republican said. "Money would dry up."
The candid assessment comes as Congress barrels toward the November midterm elections that Republicans see as make-or-break: Retain the majority and continue to provide President Donald Trump with a legislative partner, or hand the gavel to Democrats, many of whom are clamoring to launch impeachment proceedings against the president. This is a preview of Mychael Schnell and Syedah Ashgar's latest article. Read the full article here. |
