(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) House Speaker John Boehner is facing mounting criticism from the conservative wing of the party for allegedly punishing certain members over their voting record, with some suggesting his speakership could be at risk.
The odds right now of Boehner losing his post are quite low, barring the sudden entry of a challenger who galvanizes the rest of the caucus. But two developments have raised hackles among conservative members and advocacy groups, prompting grumbling about Boehner’s position.
They’re disappointed, for one, that he offered to put increased revenue on the table as part of fiscal crisis talks. But they leveled pointed criticism at Boehner after he removed several key conservatives from plum committee assignments. Those who were removed, including Reps. Tim Huelskamp, R-Kan., and Justin Amash, R-Mich., claimed the reshuffling was dealt as punishment for voting against the leadership’s wishes.
“I think many of my colleagues are outraged, because the vote is sacred,” Huelskamp told Fox News on Thursday.
“Two days ago I asked House GOP Leadership to explain why we were taken off key committees, but my questions have gone unanswered,” Huelskamp said in a letter to Boehner along with Amash and David Schweikert (R-Ariz). “Not only do I deserve answers, but the people of Kansas deserve to know as well. And, my colleagues who have been safe so far should know to how they can avoid retribution in the future. After all, the entire GOP conference was warned last week that leadership is watching their votes as well.”
Read More Here: http://www.conservativerefocus.com/blog5.php/2012/12/07/calls-to-fire-speaker-of-the-house-john-boehner-grow-louder-as-gop-unrest-increases
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