Kevin McCarthy is Retiring after One Year as House Speaker

 

[By Chris Stone]

Updated on: December 9, 2023 / 3:30 PM MST / 2:30 PM PST SNN

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Almost a year to the day, ousted GOP House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced that he was retiring from Congress at the end of December.

After his humiliating defeat as Speaker with only a year under his belt, McCarthy gave this reason:

"I have decided to depart the House at the end of this year to serve America in new ways. I know my work is only getting started."

But how? 

Don't forget that Rep. George Santos was ejected by his colleagues a few weeks ago from Congress - already weakening the GOP power base. And when McCarthy leaves at the end of this month, it will be further weakened.

The Republicans are holding 220 seats to the Democrats 2013. With an election scheduled for February 13, 2024 - to replace disgraced George Santos - it should be an interesting election year for America.

McCarthy is from California's 20th district, which covers an area from San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Nevada to the south.

Coping with the harsh loss has put McCarthy in an emotional tailspin. "If you just got thrown out of speaker, you'd go through different stages, wouldn't you?" he asked at the New York Times DealBook Summit.

It's too bad his personal skills lack dignity and grace. Just a few weeks ago he was elbowing colleagues in the hallway of the House. Burchett accused McCarthy of elbowing him in the back in a Capital Hill hallway in revenge for voting against him. McCarthy denied it.

McCarthy has a well-known hatred for Matt Gaetz, and Nancy Mace of South Carolina. In truth, it was almost sad but comical to see what's left of the GOP leadership. Mitch McConnell, who has since had issues with his mental fitness this year -- could he be counted? 

It was like Lord of the Flies when the GOP election was held. People announced their intent. Hatred-filled debates were launched against the candidates. In truth, one doesn't know the future of the party. 

The nicest comment that McCarthy received was from Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana, saying: "McCarthy would be missed around here. I would have liked him to stay. But it's kind of hard to ask somebody to stay after they're weighing some longer-term decisions." Scalise said.

Perhaps McCarthy will find his footing one day - but don't worry about him. You won't see him in the unemployment lines or cashing in food stamps.

He's too rich for that.

Clearly.