Kevin McCarthy Withdraws: Opens Door for RAWA Co-Author

It turns out Republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz may have a better shot of becoming the next U.S. President than his colleague, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who is actually running for the position.

Just a few days ago Chaffetz threw his name into the hat of those looking to take over as Speaker of the House following last month’s sudden resignation of John Boehner. 

Both Chaffetz and Graham are co-authors of Restore America’s Wire Act or RAWA, a piece of legislation that would prohibit most forms of online gambling in the United States.

Chaffetz was handed a gift on Thursday after the leading nominee for Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, abruptly withdrew his nomination.  It was widely believed McCarthy had yet to secure the votes of the 40 members of the House Freedom Caucus.

"I think I shocked some of you, huh?" McCarthy told reporters following the decision as the move came without warning.

"If we're going to unite and be strong, we need a new face to do that," McCarthy said.

Chaffetz road to the Speaker position won’t be an easy one as he will likely have difficulty gaining the support of more moderate Republicans.

The Speaker of the House is second in line for the Presidency in the event of Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office.  The Vice President of the United States would be first in line to assume those duties.

Chaffetz’ top priorities in Congress are currently the eradication of Planned Parenthood and online gambling, not necessarily in that order.

- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com