Top Democrat James Clyburn has floated a number of potential candidates for Speaker of the House. The assistant Democratic leader in the House, Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), shared a brief list during an appearance on MSNBC, less than a day after the chamber ousted Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from his position as speaker.
He threw out House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), who announced on Wednesday his intent to run for speaker following reports saying he was lobbying for support for a bid.
“There are people on both sides that could do this. I think that their leader … I know he’s having some health problems, but Steve Scalise is a great guy,” Clyburn said.
Scalise has been receiving treatment for blood cancer. Scalise told reporters that the cancer has “dropped dramatically”because of chemotherapy.
Clyburn also suggested Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), who is chairman of the House Rules Committee.
“I think that Cole would be a sort of — the kind of tone that we would like to see,” Clyburn said.
Clyburn ultimately reasoned that he will “let” Republicans “handle their business and we’re going to handle ours and hopefully they do something that will make the American people pleased with our activities here in Washington.”
