Paul Ryan survived the Freedom Caucus gauntlet and his own misgivings and has officially succeeded John Boehner as speaker of the House.
The news was met with performative panic from the Democratic House Majority PAC, which did not waste time sending out a fear-driven fundraising letter:
It’s official… Paul Ryan is the new Speaker of the House. This could be a DISASTER for seniors, women, families and most middle-class Americans.
But it doesn’t have to be.
…if Democrats stand together and raise $50,000 before COB today, Speaker Ryan and his colleagues will FLIP OUT.
In the meantime, Colorado’s congressional delegation responded with a mix of congratulatory, if not tactical, kindness and gentle sass.
Democratic Rep. Jared Polis offered Ryan pure congratulations.
Congratulations to the new Speaker @PRyan Paul Ryan
— Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) October 29, 2015
Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn welcomed Ryan in the role.
I voted for Paul Ryan for #Speaker he has the experience, skills, & leadership qualities needed to fight hard against the Obama agenda. — Rep. Doug Lamborn (@RepDLamborn) October 29, 2015
In the meantime, Rep. Diana DeGette added some Democratic snark to the Colorado congressional delegation’s Speaker Paul Ryan welcoming committee.
I don’t always get to vote twice in one year for #SpeakerElection. but when I do, I vote @NancyPelosi. — Rep. Diana DeGette (@RepDianaDeGette) October 29, 2015
Those Colorado Congress members who didn’t jump to Twitter to comment on Ryan are either grumbling, busy doing their jobs or still hungover from last night’s Republican debate. Verdict’s out.
Photo credit: DonkeyHotey, Creative Commons, Flickr.
