Removed From the position of Speaker of the US House of Representatives by Voting, Kevin McCarthy: I Am Fighting for What I Believe In

Republican politician Kevin McCarthy. (Wikimedia Commons/ SPEAKer of the House Kevin McCarthy)

JAKARTA - Republican Party politician Kevin McCarthy said he would not seek re-election as Speaker of the US House of Representatives, but would continue his struggle through other means, after being removed from that position in Tuesday's vote.

A total of eight members of the Republican Party, McCarthy's home party, along with 208 members of the Democratic Party voted to oust McCarthy. It marked the first time in history that the Speaker of the US House of Representatives was removed.

Telling reporters that he was fighting for what he believed in, McCarthy also said he would not seek re-election as chairman.

"I fight for what I believe in," said McCarthy, reported by Reuters, October 4.

"I'm sure I can continue fighting, but maybe in a different way," he said.

Yesterday's political move was led by Matt Gaetz, a critic and party colleague of McCarthy, a right-wing Republican from Florida.

"Kevin McCarthy is a swamp creature. He rose to power by collecting special interest money and redistributing that money in return for aid. We are over this fever now," Gaetz told reporters after the vote, reported by Reuters, October 4.

This is the latest moment of high drama in a year when the Republican-controlled House of Representatives brought Washington to the brink of default on the US$31.4 trillion US debt, as well as the temporary closure of government services.

Republicans control the House with a slim 221-212 majority, meaning they cannot lose more than five votes if any of their members joins the Democratic Party side in the vote.

Gaetz was one of a dozen Republicans who repeatedly voted against McCarthy's nomination for chairman in January.

McCarthy was ultimately elected after 15 rounds of voting over four days. To win office, McCarthy agreed to easier rules against leadership.

McCarthy's supporters say Gaetz was motivated by a thirst for publicity, a chance to win higher office, or resentment over the ongoing ethics investigation.

Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing, saying he was not motivated by dislike of McCarthy.

"This is not a criticism of individuals, this is a criticism of the work. The work is not finished," he said.

It is not yet clear who will replace McCarthy in the leadership chair. However, his party colleague, Patrick McHenry, was appointed as interim official.

A number of Republicans such as Steve Scalise and Tom Emmer could be candidates, although neither has publicly expressed interest.