House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said on Fox News Tuesday morning the GOP is “concerned” about Rep. Liz Cheney’s, R-Wyo., ability to be the House Republican Conference Chair.
“Fox & Friends” host Steve Doocy asked McCarthy about growing reports that the GOP is frustrated with Cheney after she firmly aligned herself against former President Donald Trump.
“There’s no concern about how she voted on impeachment. That decision has been made. I have heard from members concerned about her ability to carry out the job as conference chair — to carry out the message,” McCarthy said. “We all need to be working as one if we’re able to win the majority. Remember, majorities are not given; they are earned.”
Cheney criticized Trump on Monday after the former president released a statement claiming, “The Fraudulent Presidential Election of 2020 will be, from this day forth, known as THE BIG LIE!”
Cheney responded shortly after, tweeting, “The 2020 presidential election was not stolen. Anyone who claims it was is spreading THE BIG LIE, turning their back on the rule of law, and poisoning our democratic system.”
The 2020 presidential election was not stolen. Anyone who claims it was is spreading THE BIG LIE, turning their back on the rule of law, and poisoning our democratic system.
— Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) May 3, 2021
Axios reported Monday that Republicans are eyeing options to replace Cheney as Chair. Congressional aides allegedly told Axios that Reps. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Ann Wagner, R-Mo., and Jackie Walorski, R-Ind., are being considered. Aides also reportedly mentioned Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., who served from 2012 to 2018 as chairwoman of the House GOP Conference.
Cheney held onto her leadership position in February after a referendum. Cheney was one of 10 Republicans who joined Democrats to vote on the conviction of Trump in his second impeachment trial. Cheney was censured in January over her vote as well. The Wyoming House member survived the vote 145 to 61. The Freedom Caucus led the recall effort, which intensified upon hundreds of people gathering at the Wyoming Capitol Building a week prior to protest Cheney.
The Hill also reported Monday that GOP “allies” of McCarthy are seeking to remove Cheney from leadership. “There is no way that Liz will be conference chair by month’s end,” one of the sources said. “When there is a vote, it won’t be a long conference; it will be fast. Everyone knows the outcome.”
