Rep. Peter King Tells 1010 WINS He Would Accept Speaker Job If Offered, Votes Were There
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Long Island Congressman Peter King says he wants Rep. Paul Ryan to be the next Speaker of the House.
But King also told 1010 WINS on Saturday that if he was offered the job instead, he wouldn't turn it down.
"If I was asked to take it and the votes were there, I would," King said.
The lawmaker said he believes the only way that would even happen is through a coalition of Republicans and Democrats.
"Which, ordinarily would not be a good idea, but in this case it may be the only way to get it done," said King.
But King added he's "definitely hoping" that Ryan takes the position.
House Republicans have been scrambling to find a speaker since Rep. John Boener announced he would step down at the end of October.
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy was the logical successor, but he withdrew at the last minute.
Now, Ryan is considered the top choice, but has expressed that he doesn't want the job.