Allies of Ohio Representative Jim Jordan are reportedly attempting to sabotage House Minority Leader Steve Scalise’s bid for House Speaker by alleging that the Louisiana representative has spent over half a million dollars at a D.C. steak restaurant.
According to Time’s political reporter Eric Cortellessa, supporters of Jordan have been circulating Federal Election Commission (FEC) documents in Washington, D.C., revealing that Scalise has used more than $500,000 from his congressional campaign account at Capital Grille since 2011.
Cortellessa shared on X (formerly Twitter), “They are asserting that this expenditure exposes Scalise as a product of the ‘Washington swamp’ and establishment, signaling a lack of unity among Republicans. Some anticipate a protracted and contentious struggle.”
They are saying it reveals Scalise to be a creature of the "Washington swamp" and establishment—another sign that Republicans are not ready to corral around a single candidate. Some are preparing for a lengthy and bitter fight.
— Eric Cortellessa (@EricCortellessa) October 11, 2023
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This accusation surfaced after Scalise secured the Republican nomination for House Speaker, defeating Jordan in a 113-99 secret ballot at the GOP Conference, succeeding Kevin McCarthy, who was historically ousted.
Given the GOP’s slim 221-212 majority in the House, Scalise will need nearly unanimous support from Republican lawmakers to secure the 217 votes required in a full House ballot for the speakership. The likelihood of garnering any Democratic votes is virtually non-existent.
Presently, around a dozen House Republicans either continue to support Jordan for the House Speaker position or remain unconvinced about endorsing Scalise. Jordan, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, maintains substantial support, potentially leading to an extended voting process before any Republican claims the role.
The internal GOP discord echoes the protracted voting process in January, where McCarthy needed 15 rounds of voting before his election, facing resistance from hardline and MAGA Republicans. The GOP Conference amended Congress rules to facilitate a motion to vacate and force a vote on removing the speaker, a concession that proved consequential when McCarthy was ousted in an October 3 vote.
Political analysts predict that the attempt to smear Scalise’s reputation due to extravagant steak expenses is poised to harm his candidacy. Furthermore, they foresee an escalation of infighting within the GOP as various Republican factions vie for political dominance.
