YOHO VOTES AGAINST BOEHNER FOR SPEAKER

Today, Congressman Ted S. Yoho (FL-03) voted against John Boehner for Speaker of the House. Prior to the vote, Congressman Yoho offered himself as an alternative to Speaker Boehner to allow Members of Congress a choice and the ability to vote against the status quo. The announcement spurred others to join the movement and created other choices for Speaker of the House. Congressman Louie Gohmert of Texas and Congressman Dan Webster of Florida were also nominated. Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky nominated Rep. Yoho on the Floor of the House.

After the vote, Congressman Yoho said:

"Today the House of Representatives elected John Boehner to be the Speaker of the House for the 114th Congress. While I did not support his candidacy and desired a different outcome, I am hopeful. I am hopeful because the 25 Republicans who stood with me against Speaker Boehner and the status quo made history. Our efforts to change leadership for the better have been the most successful attempt in over 100 years. Never has a sitting Speaker of the House faced such opposition. More than that, however, this marks the beginning of a new Congress. This is a chance for members who both supported Rep. John Boehner and those who voted against him to be a part of the solution. This is a chance for Speaker Boehner to prove to both the members of the House and more importantly the American people, that Republican leadership will act in the best interests of all Americans. It is a chance to show that legislation will be brought to floor based on merit, not because it is politically popular.

I am proud of the efforts of my friends and colleagues who stood up for the American people. In the face of potential retribution and pressure from other members and leadership, they stood on principle and for that, they should be commended.  There was a quote from Mark Twain that guided us through the process, 'In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.'

My twenty five colleagues that stood with me are the true Patriots and I thank you."