Interviews with members involved in the coup attempt show that a small band of conservatives had been actively discussing the prospect of challenging Boehner since early 2014, and had spent months slowly trying to build support. Some of them were deeply impressed with Webster, who has heard from conservatives ever since he came to Congress in 2011 that he would make an ideal speaker.
The 65-year-old had served as speaker and Senate majority leader in the Florida legislature, where he ran an orderly ship and achieved the almost unheard-of task of ending legislative sessions on time. On Capitol Hill, Webster has impressed his fellow lawmakers with his deep respect for “regular order,” one of the biggest complaints that hardline conservatives have about Boehner and the current GOP leadership team.
But Webster has said he didn’t decide to jump into the race until less than 24 hours before the vote. His candidacy came as a surprise to his close friend and ally Rep. Richard Nugent, a fellow Florida Republican who said Webster never told him he was running…
Other obstacles for the rebels: Several freshmen voted for Boehner after promising to oppose him; other wavering Republicans changed their minds and supported the speaker after declaring they wouldn’t; and a last-minute lobbying effort by Boehner shored up enough support to get him over the top. Boehner also got lucky in that inclement weather and the funeral for the late Democratic New York Gov. Mario Cuomo caused a number of lawmakers to be absent, making it easier for Boehner to reach a majority of the members voting.
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