"We're absolutely stunned."

June 10, 2014
By Billy House
National Journal

Befuddlement hit and lingered within the House GOP leadership ranks as Majority Leader Eric Cantor's election fate was unwinding on Tuesday. Cantor lost in a major upset to primary challenger Dave Brat.

There was no immediate comment from House Speaker John Boehner.

But a senior Republican leadership aide described the mood as "chaos for the leadership ranks."

"We're absolutely stunned. Honestly, we really can't believe it," said the aide, who likened it to the 2004 election defeat of Tom Daschle of South Dakota, who was Senate minority leader at the time.

"Given the speculation Boehner himself may decide not to run again for speaker, the idea had been out there that Cantor would simply walk into the speakership," said the aide.

"But now, who the hell would be the next speaker?"—particularly, the aide added, if Paul Ryan doesn't want it, or Rep. Tom Price of Georgia isn't interested.

And there are more immediate questions—including whether Cantor would step down as majority leader right away, given the no-confidence vote of his own constituents.

"Everyone knows it was a tough race out there. But when you have all the money in the world, spend those resources—in the long run, money usually wins out," said the aide.

http://www.nationaljournal.com/congr...-loss-20140610