Paul Ryan set a final course for a sinking Republican majority and as that ship chugged forward, but also slowly started to slip below the waves, the speaker resigned his post, nodded at his crew, and prepared to jump overboard. At least that’s how establishment types are taking news of Ryan’s retirement.
But while it’s true that Republicans are losing their leader ahead of a likely electoral disaster, there could be a silver lining. Ryan won’t be an anchor on candidates in moderate districts, and his absence could even spur interest in the GOP leadership race among disenfranchised conservative voters.
Consider members like Rep. Rod Blum, R-Iowa. While Ryan threw him a lifeline and helped him stay afloat in 2016, Blum might be in a better spot this time in his D+1 district without Ryan. Democrats won’t have a national foil to skewer him with. Base conservatives might come back to the polls in an effort to indirectly affect who leads the GOP going forward.
Yes, the Ryan retirement does more to harm than help to the Republicans right now. They are in for a world of hurt. On the margins though, this news could be helpful.
