"This is the stuff that usually ends in short order with a resignation, either of the member's own volition or at the speaker's insistence. That's not the case now. While some individual Republicans have called on Gonzales to resign, Gonzales has said he won't, and Speaker Mike Johnson is saying he'll allow House investigations into the matter to run their course."
"Can we be clear about what's going on here? Mike Johnson's majority is 218-214, and he doesn't want to lose anot[her vote]. In the meantime, some exciting news for House Republicans: Be as gross as you want the rest of the year, because House leaders will still need your vote. No morality clauses with a House majority this small."
The Surge newsletter covers weekly political developments including Texas primaries, Senate nominees, and international tensions. A major focus is the scandal involving Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales, accused of sending explicit texts to a staffer who later died by self-immolation. Extracted messages show Gonzales repeatedly sending sexual content while the staffer rebuffed him. Historically, such scandals prompt immediate resignations, but Speaker Mike Johnson is allowing House investigations to proceed without demanding Gonzales step down. Johnson's reluctance stems from the razor-thin Republican majority of 218-214, making every member's vote essential for passing legislation. This dynamic eliminates practical enforcement of ethical standards.
Read at Slate Magazine
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