"He's the speaker:" By this time next week, Paul Ryan will likely have new position in House
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The pieces are falling into place for Congressman Paul Ryan to become the next speaker of the House of Representatives. The House Freedom Caucus, a group of about 40 conservative lawmakers, cleared a path for Ryan to become speaker with a vote Wednesday night, October 21st in which 70% of Freedom Caucus members said they support Ryan for speaker.
The Republican Study Committee and the "Tuesday Group" of House GOP moderates both endorsed Paul Ryan for speaker of the House on Thursday, meaning the Wisconsin Republican has support from the three groups he said he needed to run for the position.
And, on Thursday evening, Paul Ryan officially announced his candidacy for speaker.
It is almost certain that by next Thursday, October 29th, Ryan will be the speaker of the House.
"I think everything is over except the hurrah," Mordecai Lee, professor at UW-Milwaukee said. "He's now acceptable to all the different silos within the Republicans in the House -- so he's the speaker."
Earlier this week, Ryan announced he'd be willing to serve as speaker only if the three key factions of the Republican caucus would back his bid.
"I have left this decision in their hands," Ryan said.
The Freedom Caucus stopped short of an official endorsement. That would have required the support of 80% of Freedom Caucus members. Instead, a 'super majority' -- 70% of members chose to back Ryan.
And on Thursday, Ryan got the remaining endorsements.
Republican Study Committee Chairman Bill Flores (R-TX) released the following statement Thursday:
"After hearing Paul lay out his vision for the future of the Republican conference, I am confident that he is the right person to lead the House going forward. He has the policy expertise, conservative principles and strong values we need in our next Speaker."
The "Tuesday Group" issued this statement:
"Paul has long been a thoughtful leader and reformer in Washington, a unifier in the House Republican caucus, and someone who is willing and able to work across the aisle to achieve results for the American people."
All that's left is for Ryan to be officially voted into the post next week.
Republicans will vote in conference next Wednesday to pick their nominee -- and on the House floor next Thursday.
Outgoing House Speaker John Boehner is set to resign next Friday.
Paul Ryan on Twitter