As the government shutdown loomed, Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz approached a Democratic lawmaker on the House floor this week with an unexpected proposal. Gaetz, known for his frequent threats against Speaker Kevin McCarthy's speakership, expressed his rebellion as a search for new leadership that upholds their promises, speaks truthfully, and follows regular protocols. The Democrat described this message to CNN as "completely rational."
Gaetz mentioned Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma and House GOP Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota as potential alternatives, and then tried to assess whether this member would be willing to support a move to remove McCarthy. According to the Democrat, discussions have taken place internally regarding various requests, including power-sharing agreements and policy proposals.
"The past two days have seen him engaging not only with Democrats but with individuals ranging from the most progressive left-wing Democrats to moderates," the House Democrat informed CNN. "He is presently operating as a persuasive advocate."
When questioned about collaborating with Democrats on his McCarthy ouster initiative, Gaetz stated that although the topic has been discussed, it remains secondary to his priorities. He emphasized that he has not made any attempts to propose concessions to Democrats in return for their assistance.
"I have not extended any offers to Democrats, nor would I," he asserted.
However, McCarthy's critics are not the only ones who are privately approaching House Democrats to join their side in the ongoing speaker drama. Moderate Republicans and pragmatic members of the GOP have also been reaching out to Democrats, aiming to prevent a potential government shutdown and create a consensus to support McCarthy in case he faces a motion to vacate the speakers chair. This effort has become more urgent following the failure of a House GOP stopgap bill on Friday, which was attributed to conservative hardliners.
"There are a few of us who are ready to take the necessary next steps," stated GOP Representative Brian Fitzpatrick. He is currently collaborating with a bipartisan group of lawmakers to bypass leadership in the event of a stalemate within the House, a process referred to as a discharge petition.
The wheeling-and-dealing demonstrates how Democrats have become entangled in the GOP's ongoing internal conflict, which has pushed Congress to the brink of a government shutdown. Despite their usual lack of influence as the minority party, Democrats are now being sought after by the divided Republican party.
As their votes become a valuable commodity, Democrats are beginning to consider the price they can demand for a tough decision: either save McCarthy or join forces with his main opponents to remove him and potentially disrupt the House. However, Democrats may have no choice but to participate in determining McCarthy's fate if a vote for his removal is brought to the floor.
Democratic leaders are advising their members to refrain from taking a firm stance on McCarthy's speakership, as they are wary of taking any proactive action that could have significant consequences for the House and their party. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, on Friday, did not disclose his approach towards a potential vote to remove McCarthy.
"Well cross that bridge when we come to it," he told CNN.
It could really go either way
Gaetz is aware that in order to successfully remove McCarthy, he will probably need the support of most, if not all, House Democrats. This would necessitate having a majority in the chamber.
When asked about the stance of the majority of Democrats on the matter, the member expressed uncertainty, suggesting that the outcome could swing in either direction.
Individuals who desire McCarthy's removal will likely be hesitant to pursue such a turbulent path during a government shutdown, which is why Gaetz believes it is crucial for the funding dispute to be resolved first. They contend that an alternative candidate should step forward.
"I told Matt that we need to push through the shutdown and secure a CR. Timing is crucial," stated Rep. Pramila Jayapal, co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, in an interview with CNN. "I've also learned in my seven years that you can't field no candidate against somebody. So, we don't know who you will put forward. It would be favorable for us if you have someone who is more reasonable."
According to Democratic sources, the objective is to present a united front in case their votes are necessary to remove McCarthy from the speakership or to support him in saving his position. However, Democrats assert that they will not provide assistance without significant concessions in return.
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Disagreements persist within the caucus regarding the optimal approach: should they strike a deal with the familiar McCarthy or risk their luck with an unknown candidate, a particularly challenging decision given that Republicans have yet to rally behind a single individual. Confidentially, members who communicated with CNN emphasized that the discussions have not progressed towards any concrete decision-making phase.
"I believe that our leadership needs to maintain control over the disruptive members and make it clear that their actions shouldn't harm our position as Democrats," expressed a Democratic legislator.
Many Democrats find it inconceivable to save McCarthy by voting to table or vote present on a measure to remove him, making them more likely to support Gaetz. They argue that the speaker has breached their trust by initiating an impeachment inquiry and reneging on an agreement with the White House regarding spending levels.
When asked about their stance on the situation, one Democrat expressed, "I'm not easily swayed. McCarthy is responsible for this chaos, and he should take responsibility for it."
