Speakerwatch: A Challenger

With opposition to John Boehner growing daily, the burning question of his replacement has filled the air. The strategy of the opposition in 2013 was not to unite behind any one particular candidate, but simply get enough votes against Boehner to force another ballot.

Ideally, a challenger would eventually arise, Boehner would concede, and there would be a new Speaker. The lack of a figure to unite behind in 2013 may have contributed to the failure of the rebellion.

A challenger has arrived: Louie Gohmert (R-TX) has officially announced his challenge to John Boehner. 

Gohmert is one of the growing contingent of liberty Republicans in the House of Representatives, and a member of the House Liberty Caucus. 

The Speaker election should resemble another attempt by Liberty Republicans: Raul Labrador for Majority Leader. While the past two power struggles were in favor of establishment Republicans, the climate favors the conservatives.