Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has recently decided to partner with ex-Speaker John Boehner for an Ohio fundraiser set for May 30. This move is surprising, given Boehner’s infamous fall from grace for his repeated concessions to Democrats.
Boehner, now with the global lobbying behemoth Squire Patton Boggs, will host and speak at the event for Grow the Majority. Attendees can expect to pay $1,500 for general admission, $10,000 for a photo opportunity, and an astonishing $25,000 for a VIP Roundtable.
Punchbowl News pointed out the visible influence of Boehner on Johnson. One wonders if Johnson is on a similar path of compromising conservative values. Boehner was ousted in October 2015 by conservatives in his party for his hand in advancing Democrat agendas, breaching the Hastert Rule to push through spending bills against his party’s majority wishes. It sparked a revolt led by then-Rep. Mark Meadows and prompted Boehner to resign.
Johnson, it seems, is repeating history by also disregarding the Hastert Rule. His recent push for a multi-billion-dollar aid package to Ukraine has mirrored Boehner’s willingness to placate Democrats. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) accused Johnson of betraying conservative principles three times, including funding Biden’s policies at record levels, extending FISA without warrant requirements, and advocating a foreign aid package replete with Ukraine funding.
Johnson’s tenure has seen unprecedented support from Democrats, with 163 backing him during a recent vote forced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to vacate the chair. This Democratic support surpasses even that of Boehner, who only dreamt of such bipartisan backing.
Boehner’s liberal tendencies didn’t end with his resignation. He showered praise on Nancy Pelosi, described her as admirable, and shared his family’s Democratic leanings. Upon leaving Congress, Boehner advocated for gun control and lambasted prominent conservatives like Donald Trump, Jim Jordan, and Ted Cruz, using derogatory terms.
He also hosted a fundraiser for ex-Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, who sought to diminish the conservative right’s influence. Boehner has since become a vocal advocate for marijuana legalization, serving on boards to promote its use. His evolution on cannabis mirrors the justifications Johnson has used for his controversial policy decisions.
While Johnson’s partnership with a figure like Boehner raises questions, the conservative base should remain vigilant and demand adherence to true conservative and liberty-minded principles.
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