WASHINGTON – Minnesota Congress member Tom Emmer is not actively seeking the House speakership that was vacated with the ouster of Kevin McCarthy. At this point, Emmer said, he supports Steve Scalise of Louisiana: “Steve Scalise I’ve known for a long time. He’d make a great speaker.” Scalise, House majority leader, and Jim Jordan of Ohio, an outspoken firebrand, have declared they would like the top House job, but majority support seems problematic for both. Emmer, who is House whip, remains a dark horse possibility. As House Republican whip, Emmer is in regular, often daily contact with the GOP caucus that will choose the next speaker.
Earlier: Potomac chatter: Minnesota’s Emmer for top House job?
Emmer profile
Emmer is from Minnesota Congressional District 6, which covers far northern suburbs of the Twin Cities and west to St. Cloud. He was elected in 2005. He became House GOP whip this year. Age: 63. He’s ultraconservative but not in what’s called the “Crazy Wing” led by Matt Gaetz of Florida. The Crazies engineered Kevin McCarthy out as speaker this week.