Arthur Delaney started working for HuffPost in 2009. He covers politics and the economy. Previously he wrote for the Washington City Paper, The Hill newspaper, Slate Magazine, and ABCNews.com. His email is [email protected].
WASHINGTON — Rep. Ken Buck says he refused to vote for either of the Republican candidates for House speaker on Wednesday because they both dodged his question about the legitimacy of the 2020 election.
Buck asked Reps. Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan whether President Joe Biden won the 2020 election fair and square, and he said neither man gave a straight answer during a Republican speaker candidate forum Tuesday evening.So when House Republicans held a closed-door election to decide their next nominee for speaker on Wednesday, Buck said he simply voted “present.”
“If we don’t have the moral clarity to decide whether President Biden won or not, we don’t have the moral clarity to rule in this country, period,” Buck told HuffPost.Matt Gaetzin Wednesday’s vote, with 113 in support compared to 99 for Jordan. It’s still unclear if Scalise can consolidate his support in a vote on the House floor in order to actually become speaker.Jordan and Scalise were among the 147 Republicans who voted to object to the 2020 election results on Jan.
Jordan has also helped lead the effort to impeach Biden, an enterprise that Buck has said lacks all merit. Rep. Tim Burchett confirmed Buck’s account of asking about the 2020 election and not getting a straight answer.By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our