Help Wanted: Paul Ryan for House Speaker
Christian Segers, Staff Writer
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By far the most qualified man for the job, Paul Ryan is currently weighing in on a Speaker of the House bid following the resignation of John Boehner.
At a time when the looming national debt ceiling is set to start a government shutdown if the White House and Congress cannot come to a decision in the next two weeks, the Republican party is leaning heavily on Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan to succeed the retiring John Boehner as House speaker in hopes that he can get the job done.
Although there have been numerous names floating amongst Congress since Boehner announced his impending resignation on Friday, Oct. 25, only Ryan has the amount of support needed to become the House of Representatives 54th speaker according to the New York Times. Additionally, NBC News states that out of 247 Republican delegates, it is reported that 218 will undoubtedly cast their vote for Ryan as speaker, more than enough votes needed to win by far.
However, there is only one small problem. Ryan has not formally agreed to run for the position. In fact, no one outside of his inner circle have a clue as to what decision he will make. It is my hope that Ryan decides to accept the calling.
An excellent orator and decision maker in his own right, Ryan was chosen as the Vice Presidential candidate in the 2012 election season as counterpart to Mitt Romney’s White House bid. Although the pair fell short of their ultimate goal, the general voter populous was able to witness Ryan’s abilities and policies firsthand to critical and widespread acclaim.
As a Congressman from Wisconsin, Ryan continues to helm the House Budget Committee in an effort to reduce waste and needless spending. Although he lost his seat when he agreed to run as Vice President, Ryan regained his seat in the 2014 election cycle by a substantial margin, beating his closest competitor by nearly 30 percent, exemplifying his popularity.
The head of North Greenville University’s public relations department and honors program, Lisa Van Riper said, “Ryan has certainly shown that he can deal with complex issues by heading the committee that he does. He is certainly someone that the moderates and conservatives can come around in the caucus.”
On the issues, Ryan is exceptionally strong. He is decidedly pro-life, adamant about the fact that life begins at conception. Ryan believes in a strengthened military presence and that if there is any place that Obama should send federal funding, it should be to the military.
Budgetary stances are also a point of praise for Ryan, as he is quick to not only point out flaws in the current administration, but solutions to the problems as well. By issuing countless documents and taxation plans to seek ratification of a national budget, Ryan has gained the respect of the majority of the Republican Party.
It is this respect that would undoubtedly carry over as Congressional speaker. Ryan was set to meet on Tuesday, Oct. 20, with Republican leaders, reportedly to discuss his next steps. Van Riper noted the importance of not just giving anybody the reigns to what NBC News calls “the hardest job in Washington.”
“Not having the right person in office could affect the party’s chances at the presidency,” said Van Riper.
However the presidential landscape shifts due to Ryan’s decision. If he declines, not only does the debt ceiling crisis risk not getting resolved in time, but also the Republican Party is put on indefinite standby to watch the likes of Newt Gingrich or Mike Pompeo battle for the position, neither of which lend towards the ideal solution to the recent speaker vacancy.
