Rep. Raul Labrador said Tuesday that he is gaining momentum in his campaign to become the next House Majority leader and “close” to securing the votes he need to win the post.
“A lot of people are switching their votes, and they are really excited about having somebody challenge the establishment right now,” Mr. Labrador, Idaho Republican, said on “Fox and Friends.” “It is important for us to show that we need a new direction in the party.”
Asked whether he is nearing the votes needed to win the job, Mr. Labrador said, “We’re close.”
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s loss in his primary race is forcing a shakeup in House leadership, and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy has emerged as the clear favorite to takeover the position.
But Mr. Labrador said Tuesday that he thinks he could do a better job of uniting the House GOP caucus than Mr. McCarthy, a California Republican.
“What we have had is a top-down approach. You talk to members of Congress, and they feel like they are totally irrelevant,” he said. “I want every member to contribute.”
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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