Boehner appears to swat back latest ouster attempt

The latest effort to oust House Speaker John A. Boehner has stirred up conservative activists but failed to produce a groundswell of revolt on Capitol Hill.

Boehner appears to have been able to swat back this newest attack on his tenure -- this time, by fellow Republican Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, who surprised colleagues with a discharge petition before lawmakers prepared to break for a monthlong recess.

Chatter spread quickly Wednesday through conservative circles, where Boehner has long been viewed skeptically. Meadows made the rounds on conservative talk radio. But few rank-and-file Republicans joined the cause.

“This is a distraction,” said Rep. Dennis Ross (R-Fla.). “We don’t need to create this rift right now.”

Republicans feared the public display of disunity strayed from their central message as they prepare to wage an August campaign against the nuclear deal with Iran.

On Wednesday, Boehner dismissed the attack as “no big deal,” and said he had no intention of bringing the congressman’s resolution forward.

“It isn’t even deserving of a vote,” Boehner said. “This is one member, all right? I’ve got broad support among my colleagues.”

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When the House elected him in January for a third term, Boehner lost more votes than any other speaker in modern history. But the backlash has largely settled into a quieter resistance.

Attempts to remove Boehner from the speakership have come and gone over the last five years, in part because such efforts have been disorganized and there was no agreement on an alternative.

For the latest from Congress and 2016 campaigns follow @LisaMascaro.

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