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Efforts Afoot to Mount Boehner Challenge

House Republican insurgents aren’t particularly hopeful that they’ll be able to topple Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) but are launching an effort to draft Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) to take him on, according to one Republican Member involved.

Ryan, however, has told reporters multiple times that he has no interest in running for leadership because of his interest in policy and his commitment to his young family. Ryan has said he does not relish the idea of barnstorming the country on behalf of Republican candidates or party fundraising, two of the GOP leader’s top responsibilities.

“Paul definitely doesn’t really want the job,” the Member acknowledged. But “I think there is no one better in the Conference than him.”

Ryan would have a broader appeal across the Conference than other conservatives who have sought the job previously, such as Reps. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) or John Shadegg (R-Ariz.), the lawmaker said, and would be able to show the party faithful that House Republicans are looking to turn the page.

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