House Republicans Elect Rep. Steve Scalise as Speaker Despite Criticism from Rep. Nancy Mace

Today, House Republicans voted to elect Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) as their House Speaker, despite criticism from Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) who said she could not support Scalise due to his past association with and comments about white supremacists.

Mace said on CNN Wednesday that she could not, in good conscience, vote for someone who attended a white supremacist conference and compared himself to David Duke. Despite her criticism, Scalise won the caucus vote 113 to 99.

In 2014, Scalise acknowledged attending the event but claimed not to know what its organizers stood for. He said it was a “mistake I regret.” Reports indicated that Rep. Jim Jordan had the momentum in the House GOP fight for the Speakership, but the caucus vote was conducted via secret ballot.

In response to the vote, Mace said she would be doing an “enormous disservice” to the voters she represents in South Carolina if she voted for Scalise. Reports also indicated that the floor vote was moved up to this afternoon, presumably to get the vote done before anyone could make trouble.