Speaker Paul Ryan said he wonât leave his post early, despite early speculation that Republicans may want a new speaker in the next few months, and told reporters that most GOP lawmakers want him to remain in his post until he retires in January because nobody can top his fundraising prowess.
âI have shattered every fundraising record any speaker has ever set,â Ryan said in response to reports that some lawmakers want a swift exit.
Ryan, R-Wis., said those urging him to leave represent only âa small groupâ of Republicans and that most want the current leadership team to remain in place to provide stability and to usher through remaining agenda items for the 115th Congress.
He said he plans to take up food stamp reform, a fiscal spending bill and perhaps an immigration reform measure by the end of the year.
âIâve talked to a lot of members who think it is in our best interest for me to stay here and run through the tape,â Ryan said.
Ryan pointed to his ability to raise money for midterm GOP races as his most important skill. He said he has doubled the goal of raising $20 million and did so eight months earlier than planned, and said he can continue to raise money in the final months of his term.
Analysts are predicting the GOP will lose seats and perhaps the majority, and Ryan said his fundraising abilities will help.
âIt makes no sense to take the biggest fundraiser off the field and most of our members agree with that,â Ryan said.
