Mixed Response to McCarthy’s Ouster at GOP Dinner in Wisconsin

By Better Today On Oct 4, 2023

TL/DR –

The article discusses the ousting of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House by a conservative faction within the Republican party, and the fallout within the party at the grassroots level. Internal tensions within the Republican party are increasing and spilling into the public, affecting the party’s ability to pass legislation and win elections. Opinions within the party about the ousting are varied, with some seeing it as a chance for a more conservative leadership, and others worrying about the increased infighting and division it has caused.

Wisconsin’s Lincoln Day Dinner highlights GOP infighting

Shortly after a faction of conservative House members engineered the removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), a Wisconsin legislator was interrupted by a man dressed as Abraham Lincoln during a speech at a local Republican event. The Lincoln impersonator accused the legislator of not being conservative enough.

Scott Krug, a seven-term state lawmaker who generally votes with his party, dismissed the interruption as a disagreement over the local budget. He used the incident to highlight the GOP’s recent losses in Wisconsin and stressed the need for party unity and private resolution of disputes.

The incident underscores the increasing public tension and infighting within the Republican Party which have hindered their legislative efforts and electoral successes. Most speakers at the event focused on party priorities like tax cuts and voter ID laws, blaming President Biden and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) for rising inflation.

However, the removal of McCarthy led to mixed reactions among local Republicans. Some, like College Republicans treasurer Neal Wisinski, were pleased, seeing it as an opportunity for a more conservative leadership. Others, like party member Steve Nelson, were discontented, arguing that abrupt changes were disruptive and that McCarthy was steering the party in the right direction.

State Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming warned against the danger of intraparty disputes, citing recent losses in prominent state races due to failure to unite after contentious primaries. “I am against primaries where the Republicans fight Republicans harder than they fight the Democrats,” Schimming stated.