Following House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy’s withdrawal from the Republican Speaker of the House race, a growing chorus of Republican and conservative voices are urging Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) to run for the position.
Ryan, Mitt Romney’s presidential running mate in 2012, has long been a pro-life voice in Congress. However, in 2010 he called on Republicans to accept a “truce” on social issues such as abortion in the name of prioritizing fiscal issues: “We will agree to disagree on those issues. But let’s rally around the tallest pole in our tent: fiscal conservatism, economic liberty.” Last month, Ryan also voted for the federal budget resolution which funded Planned Parenthood.
Possible Speaker candidates Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Darrell Issa (R-CA) have both said they would step down on behalf of Ryan if he chose to pursue the office. Earlier today, the conservative National Review endorsed Ryan for Speaker, arguing that he is the choice most trusted by divided Capitol Hill Republicans.
Reportedly, outgoing Speaker John Boehner is also urging Ryan to enter the race, and according to Fox News’ Bret Baier, may go so far as to postpone stepping down for the remainder of this Congressional session if he declines.
Ryan himself has repeatedly said he will not run, citing a desire to retain his position as chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. However, McCarthy claims Ryan is opening to the idea.
