House GOP Leader Backs Down In NRCC Fight
House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) retreated Tuesday in his drive to remove the top two aides at the National Republican Congressional Committee amid widespread complaints about fundraising, recruitment and the competency of its top staff.
The Republican leader tried to smooth over tension with NRCC Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.) during a closed-door meeting with their GOP colleagues Tuesday morning, tacitly acknowledging his differences with the campaign chief while promising members that the committee’s leadership team will remain united.
Cole echoed the same sentiments, members and aides present said, but the outward display of unity still masks deep-seated frustration with operations at the campaign committee from many members.
“Cole and I have had a candid conversation every week,” Boehner said Tuesday as he left the meeting. “I respect Tom Cole. He’s a valued member of this team.
“My goal is to help us earn back our majority,” the Republican leader continued. “I’ve had the same kind of frank and candid conversation about the goals we all need to meet.”