Hensarling and House Republicans urge caution before Speaker vote in letter to colleagues

WASHINGTON–Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Dallas, and 18 other Republicans asked their colleagues in a Thursday afternoon letter to slow down and find “a shared set of goals and governing vision” before they choose a Speaker candidate.

“Members need to come together to figure out what we are and where we are going as a Conference, before we figure out who will lead us,” read the letter, sent to The Dallas Morning News by a Hensarling aide.

There’s speculation that Hensarling, chairman of the powerful House Financial Services and former No. 4 House Republican, could run for Speaker after House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy pulled out of the race Thursday afternoon. He did not comment on his plans.

Republicans have spent weeks pondering and the debating the direction of their party after House Speaker John Boehner announced his resignation on Sept. 25, effective at the end of the month. Hensarling briefly considered a run before deciding against it.

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