Rep. Webster issues statement following push for speaker

Although he didn't secure enough votes to oust House Speaker John Boehner, U.S. Rep Daniel Webster said he is overwhelmed by the support he received from his colleagues Tuesday.

“This afternoon, several members of the Republic Conference voted for me to be speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives," Webster said. "I am humbled by their confidence in me as a leader who would articulate and execute a principled agenda at such a critical time for our party, system of government and nation."

Webster, 65, of Winter Garden, earned 12 votes in yesterday's election.

“To be sure, my candidacy and vote was not a vote against personalities, policies or even John Boehner," he said. "It was a vote for initiating a process that I know can produce sound public policy for the people who sent us to Washington on their behalf.

“As I have shared with our the leadership team, I will continue to advocate for a more open, member-driven and productive process, one that places principle above power," Webster said. "The process by which we have come to legislate as elected representatives of the people has become flawed, and a flawed process will always produce a flawed product. 

“I offer my sincerest congratulations to Speaker Boehner on his re-election as speaker of the House," he said. "He is a personal friend who I have come to know and admire during my tenure in the House, and I pledge to work alongside him.  With leadership elections behind us, and a willing partner in the Senate, our conference is united in reforming the way Washington works, opening up our government and advancing pro-growth, principled solutions.”