Washington D.C. - In response to the 107 to 85 defeat of a motion made to the House Republican Conference this morning to hold full-slated elections for all seven Conference leadership positions, Congressman John Sweeney (NY-20) and Congressman Dan Lungren (CA-3) made the following joint statement:
“The intent of our proposal was to engage the Conference in the debate necessary to ensure we could remove the cloud of scandal and doubt looming over the House in the wake of recent events. This motion was an attempt to initiate a debate essential for the long-term viability of the Conference. The close margin, a 12-vote swing, is a reflection of the vigorous debate that our Conference needed and was accomplished here this morning.
“The Conference and its leadership understand this motion was not an attempt to promote any one candidate or question the ability of any member of the current leadership. The Conference and the House are stronger for having engaged in this discussion. Every member can return to their district and assure their constituents that they have taken the steps necessary to address the concerns of the American public. A vote of confidence has been cast for the future, and we are united behind a common vision for the coming year. We see the value in fighting and losing battles to win wars, and now the Conference is prepared to move forward.
“Speaker Hastert and Chairwoman Pryce demonstrated their leadership by encouraging this dialogue, and we applaud the willingness of the Conference to openly address difficult issues. We are eager to continue this spirit of debate and dialogue tomorrow when the Conference convenes to elect a Majority Leader and Policy Committee Chair.
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