Webster declares House Speaker run

WEST ORANGE -- A political void opened with the announcement from Ohio Rep. John Boehner (R) during a Sept. 25 news conference that he will resign from his position as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and as a representative Oct. 30.

Hours later, on the show of conservative radio host Sean Hannity, Rep. Daniel Webster (R), who represents most of West Orange County within Florida's 10th District, offered to fill that void, announcing his candidacy to replace Boehner as Speaker.

"My goal is for the House of Representatives to be based on principle, not on power," Webster said. "Every member of Congress deserves a seat at the table to be involved in the process. I will continue fighting for this to become a reality in Washington and will be running for Speaker of the House.”

Webster had challenged Boehner for that position earlier this year, gaining several votes from fellow House Republicans in a losing bid. Boehner later removed Webster from the House Rules Committee.

If Webster does become Speaker, his reign could be short, given redistricting that he says heavily disfavors him in the latest redraw of U.S. House districts in Florida. He and challenger Val Demings (D), former chief of the Orlando Police Department, have offered contrasting views on judicial rulings in the redistricting process.

Contact Zak Kerr at [email protected].