Congressman David Jolly, R-Fla., complained Friday about other Republican lawmakers who have been working to divide the GOP caucus over the last few years, which seemed to be a factor in House Speaker John Boehner’s decision to resign by the end of October.
“It’s just an emotional moment,” Jolly told reporters. “Those within our party who insist on continuing to divide us, and shut down the government, shut down our party, they can take a small victory today.”
“The honor of Boehner stands in sharp contrast to the self-serving idiocy of those in our party who seek to continually divide us. What he did is remarkable,” he said.
Rep. Harold Rogers, R-Ky., added that Boehner’s coming resignation is “a genuine act of sacrifice.”
“I’m disappointed that he’s stepping aside,” he said.
Rogers added in a statement: “For the last five years, Speaker Boehner has led the House of Representatives with grace and dignity. His work to protect this institution has demonstrated his deep love for the Congress and all it stands for.”
“I really don’t like the circumstances of his leaving,” said Rep. Charles Dent, R-Pa.
Others who have been pushing to oust Boehner were less worried about how he’s leaving, and said his decision reflects a growing unease with his leadership.
“The base of the party has asked for this change for two to three years, and it’s happening,” said Rep. Tim Kuelskamp, R-Kan. “It’s clear that if a vote was called, he did not have the votes to sustain himself as speaker, if Nancy Pelosi didn’t help him out.”
“This is a condition of his own making,” said Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky.
