Want a new House Speaker? Look to Bob Goodlatte

Stepping away from the 2017 sweepstakes for a moment…

In our most recent Washington Post column, Paul Goldman and I look at who should be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. The favorite is California Rep. Kevin McCarthy. We suggest that while this seems like a good move, it is hardly in keeping with the mood of the Republican base (which may prefer someone not of the House at all).

We offer a candidate who is not running for the job, but who would probably be perfect for the job: Virginia’s own Bob Goodlatte:

Goodlatte is the right age and has the right temperament and the right experience. McCarthy has served roughly one-third the time and has led no committees. He got his start by winning a lottery back in Bakersfield.

If the GOP isn’t going for an outsider, then Goodlatte is a highly qualified insider.

Yes, Goodlatte is assailed in some quarters for this, that, and the other thing. He has drawn unserious primary challengers. And again, he’s not running for the top job.

But Mr. Goodlatte — steady, conservative, experienced, and yes, even somewhat serene compared to the rest of the House — would be an excellent Speaker.

Instead, the House will elevate someone from the existing, disfavored, leadership team. And soon, say by December, when the next phase of the budget crisis gets underway, the discontents will rise in anger once again.