Noem doesn’t see Boehner’s job in jeopardy
Rep. Kristi Noem said she doesn’t see House Speaker John Boehner losing his job after he was unable to round up the votes for his “Plan B” fiscal cliff proposal.
Boehner’s proposal, which would have extended expiring tax cuts except for income over $1 million, was never brought to a vote after outside conservative groups and several dozen Republican representatives balked.
The decision has weakened Boehner’s negotiating position, experts say, since it calls into question his ability to bring his party’s votes to any deal he strikes with President Barack Obama.
But Noem said Boehner will probably continue as Speaker.
“I don’t believe his leadership is (in jeopardy) but I know he was very disappointed,” said Noem, who served with Boehner on the House leadership team the past two years.
Noem said she hasn’t heard of any Republicans thinking of challenging Boehner.
Many of the highest profile House Republican leaders, such as Majority Leader Eric Cantor and former vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan, also supported and lobbied for Plan B.
Read more about Noem, Boehner’s proposal, and the state of fiscal cliff negotiations in the House in Sunday’s Argus Leader.
