Freedom Caucus Founder Embroiled in Sexual Abuse Scandal Announces Bid for Republican Speakership
House Republican rabble-rouser and Freedom Caucus co-founder Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio announced his bid to become GOP Speaker Thursday in a letter to his colleagues. As he raced down a Capitol Hill hallway, Jordan told reporters he was running because he thinks "there's some things that need to be changed" and Republicans need to start "doing what we said."
In his letter, Jordan said voters want to see an end to "governing by crisis." That may actually hold a hint of truth. But the notion of electing a founder of the crisis-inducing Freedom Caucus as a prescription to that problem is nothing short of a tragic farce.
Asked if his run would be hampered by a scandal in which multiple former Ohio State wrestlers have accused him of turning a blind eye to sexual abuses being committed by a fellow coach in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Jordan responded:
"Everyone can see through that story. I've talked to numerous of my colleagues, & they can all see through that story."Â
Great. Then his colleagues are "all" on board for yet another wrestling coach besieged by a sexual misconduct scandal (see convicted pedophile Denny Hastert, the longest-serving GOP speaker who held the post for eight years, from 1999 through 2007). The difference this time—Republicans have fair warning. Jordan could have another good long run as a former wrestling coach turned GOP caucus leader enmeshed in a sexual scandal.Â
That would be a real tribute to the GOP's dedication to sticking by their own no matter what kind of abuses may have happened on their watch.
