Boehner strikes back: Speaker of the House retaliates against insurgents

After locking in his third term as Speaker of the House, John Boehner is not letting his "betrayers" get away with voting against him.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Seeking revenge, Boehner immediately removed two of the most influential rebels from the Rules Committee. Florida Reps. Daniel Webster and Richard Nugent are the first of the suspected many demonstrations that Boehner is not playing nice this time around.

According to Politico, Webster ran against Boehenr for speaker and boasted about how he would be much better to the House rules, behind Boehner's back. Nugent supported fellow Florida Republican and gained the support from 12 lawmakers.

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Although members are already discussing reversal of any revenge action made by Boehner and the leadership, those allied with Boehner warn that more retaliation could be on the forefront.

The House Republican leadership is currently reviewing the list of those who voted against Boehner.

"Virginia Rep. Scott Rigell got a slot on the Appropriations Committee, key for his Virginia Beach district, yet voted for Webster, a move that infuriated Boehner loyalists. Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) had gotten into the good graces of top Republicans, then turned his back on Boehner in favor of Webster. Particular ire was directed toward Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.), who had a dinner Monday night at which the uprising was discussed. Dozens of other Republicans could face a backlash," reported Politico.

Not in the least apologetic, the insurgents expected this outcome.

"I am already hearing from my colleagues, and myself, about retaliation against those who voted their conscience, their constituents, their principles, to change the status quo," Tim Huelskamp, Kansas Republican said to Politico. "My colleagues fully expect that. That's what they expect out of this leadership team."

The system has become a dysfunctional one where voting your conscience is not preferred, according to Iowa GOP Representative, Steve King. It is no longer about Republicans and Democrats; the system is about the elite.

Those who align themselves with the elite prevail, and those who don't get the boot.

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Boehner and his team are certain that they will continue having a firm grip on power, despite the 25 defections.

"We don't need these fringe guys as much as we did anymore," said a GOP leadership aide, speaking on condition of anonymity to Politico. "We can let them walk on certain bills, and it just won't matter. That gives us breathing room."

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