House Republicans agree that the retirement of Speaker Paul Ryan doesn't hurt their chances in November's midterms, the Washington Examiner reports.
Republicans were facing strong headwinds long before the Wisconsin Republican announced he would not seek reelection. Besides, a prolific fundraiser, Ryan has vowed to keep raising millions in support of GOP incumbents.
"He's going to continue to raise a lot of money," Rep. Tom Cole told the Examiner. "You hate to lose him, but I don't think it's going to materially affect the election one way or another."
Republicans interviewed by the Examiner also don't think it's a problem if Ryan remains as Speaker until the end of his term in January.
"I think Paul's smart enough to figure out if it does become a problem that they'll get the matter resolved. I think the sooner the better if they do it, but that's up to him," Rep. Dave Joyce told the Examiner. "We owe him that deference since he didn't want to do it in the first place."
Besides, Republicans need to hold onto their majority before worrying about the Speakership, otherwise the top Republican's going to be vying for minority leader.
"I don't know why we're worried about it now," Rep. Mike Kelly told the Examiner. "We better make sure we're in the majority."