WASHINGTON (AP) — An onslaught of pressure from the Republican Party base was intended to prod the GOP’s moderate and establishment members to support Rep. Jim Jordan for House speaker. But as the pressure campaign escalated this week into death threats, something unexpected happened. A hodgepodge coalition of roughly 20 House Republicans opposed his bid. They received a barrage of death threats that have only hardened their resolve against Jordan. In doing so, they defied a belief of many in Washington — that moderates have no backbone. Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican centrist who has led the opposition to Jordan’s nomination, says, “Bullying don’t work.”
Standing by their man
Jordan, so far, has failed to get enough votes to become House Speaker but his fight for the coveted leadership role isn’t done — and the devotion of many constituents back in Ohio is unwavering.
In Washington, Jordan has made a name for himself as a conservative pugilist, founder of the chaotic Freedom Caucus and staunch ally of former President Donald Trump.
In Ohio, Jordan is a hometown boy whose conservative policies and never-say-die persona on Capitol Hill have earned him a secure seat in his rural district.
One constituent told the Associated Press that a defeat for Jordan would sour his view of the Republicans who don’t vote for him.