House Republicans nominated Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan to be the next speaker of the House in a closed GOP Conference earlier today.
Arizona Congressman David Schweikert said for the last several weeks, there have been conversations among Republicans about the speakership. He said when it came down to who to support, it was it was never about the person. Rather, it was about reforming the process.
"Over the last few years, actually over the last decade, there has been this consolidation of authority in the institution and we’re working for a diminution of that so every member has a voice," he said.
Ryan received 200 votes, with Congressman Daniel Webster of Florida coming in second with 43 votes. Prior to the vote, Schweikert said he thought Ryan would be able to implement those reforms should he become Speaker. The full House will vote tomorrow.
