(Fox News) Remarks from Florida GOP Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz — one of several Republicans opposed to Kevin McCarthy’s bid for speaker of the House — led to an outburst from one of his GOP colleagues as he spoke on the House floor Friday.
“You only earn the position of speaker of the House if you can get the votes. Mr. McCarthy doesn’t have the votes today, he will not have the votes tomorrow, and he will not have the votes next week, next month, next year,” Gaetz said as he nominated Ohio GOP Rep.-elect Jim Jordan to serve as the next speaker of the House.
GOP House Reps.-elect Matt Gaetz of Florida, left, and Mike Bost of Illinois. (Win McNamee via Getty Images)
“And so, one must wonder, Madam Clerk, is this an exercise in vanity for someone who’s done the math, taken the counts, and is putting this institution through something that is absolutely avoidable?” he added.
Gaetz’s remarks were met with groans from his Republican colleagues who were sitting around him during the nomination process.
In opposition to Gaetz’s comments, GOP Rep.-elect Mike Bost of Illinois arose and shouted across the chamber at Gaetz as he pointed his finger.
