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California Rep. Issa says he's a 'potential candidate' for House Speaker

By Doug G. Ware
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., said Friday that he is a potential candidate to replace John Boehner as House Speaker when the Ohio Republican steps down later this month. Issa told MSNBC Friday that his party needs an experienced leader in the position. Photo by UPI/Yuri Gripas
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., said Friday that he is a potential candidate to replace John Boehner as House Speaker when the Ohio Republican steps down later this month. Issa told MSNBC Friday that his party needs an experienced leader in the position. Photo by UPI/Yuri Gripas | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- As the race to replace U.S. House Speaker John Boehner evolves, potential successors seem to be coming and going with some regularity. Friday, a California lawmaker said he may toss his hat into the ring.

Rep. Darrell Issa indicated that he may run for the House leadership post in a pair of interviews Friday on MSNBC and CNBC.

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"We need somebody who is A) experienced, B) has been a committee chairman, or something other than just up through the headership ranks," Issa said told MSNBC anchor Joe Scarborough Friday. "We very definitely need to pick our fights carefully."

Several prominent Republicans have either announced their intention to run for Boehner's post, or indicated they are considering a run. Others, like previous frontrunner Kevin McCarthy,, are no longer in the race.

Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan has since emerged as a favorite among the GOP ranks. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, the chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, has also expressed interest in running but Issa said the Utah Republican simply doesn't have enough support to mount a serious campaign.

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"The fact is, he is a good buy, but whatever he was as a freshman, when he was a fighter on our committee when he was trying to hold our government accountable, he took a break from that," Issa said. "I think that is going to hurt him -- not whether I get in the race or not. It already hurt him."

Issa said Ryan would be a solid Republican leader to preside over the House -- but added that he might challenge him.

"Yes, I think I could be potentially a candidate. But at the same time, I agree with the vast majority of members, I think, that we need a Paul Ryan."

Boehner announced his resignation from Congress last month, saying he remained in the post about a year longer than he originally wanted to.

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