WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are ready to make Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) the next House speaker, hoping the young but grizzled lawmaker can heal the party’s bitter divisions and craft a conservative message to woo voters in next year’s elections.
The House planned to formally elect the Wisconsin Republican to the post Thursday. Lawmakers will vote aloud one by one in a tradition that bespeaks the dignity of a chamber that lately has been more rowdy than respectful.
With the GOP controlling 247 of the House’s 435 votes, Ryan’s election was assured. That’s the virtually certain outcome despite grumbling from conservatives demanding more say in how the House operates.
Before that vote, outgoing Speaker John Boehner will deliver a farewell speech. He announced his resignation last month, chased away by several dozen hard-line conservatives.
Comment count on this article reflects comments made on Breitbart.com and Facebook. Visit Breitbart's Facebook Page.