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Gohmert's announcement came a day after fellow Republican
Representative Ted Yoho of Florida said he might be willing to
put his name up against Boehner, the Ohio Republican who is
widely expected to retain the top job in the chamber when the
full House votes on Tuesday.
"Ted is a good man for whom I could vote, but I have heard from
many supporters and also friends in Congress who have urged me
to put forward my name for Speaker as well to increase our
chances of change," Gohmert said in a statement. "That is why I
am also offering my name as a candidate for Speaker."
House Republicans voted in November to re-elect Boehner as
speaker, a post he has held for four years.
Gohmert said voters made clear they wanted change in last
November's congressional elections in which Republicans
strengthened their grip on the House and won control of the
Senate.
Criticizing Boehner's move last month to pass a $1.1 trillion
government spending bill with support from some Democrats,
Gohmert said the race for speaker was not about a particular
candidate but "whether we keep the status quo or make the change
the country demands."
Boehner spokesman Michael Steel said in a statement: "Rep.
Boehner was selected as the House Republican Conference's choice
for speaker in November, and he expects to be elected by the
whole House this week.”
(Reporting by Peter Cooney; Editing by Eric Walsh)
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