Ken Buck Reports 4 Death Threats Amid Speaker Vote Conflict

 Ken Buck Reports 4 Death Threats Amid Speaker Vote Conflict

Ken Buck

In the midst of the internal GOP struggle to select the next Speaker of the House, Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) has revealed that he's been the target of four death threats. These threats are a result of his refusal to support Rep. Jim Jordan's (R-Ohio) bid for Speaker. Buck expressed his concerns during an NBC interview on Thursday.

He disclosed the alarming situation his office is dealing with, saying, "Right now is this constant barrage of phone calls, we have — I have six full-time people answering the phones." He explained that out of the 20,000 messages they received, he's had to address four death threats.

But it's not just death threats that Buck is contending with. He's also faced personal repercussions due to his stance on the Speaker issue. "I’ve been evicted from my office in Colorado. I have notice of an eviction because the landlord is mad with my voting record on the Speaker issue," Buck stated. His experience is not isolated, as many members of Congress who have refused to support Jordan are encountering similar challenges. Family members have even been targeted and threatened, adding to the tension within the party.

Buck isn't the only one facing threats for not supporting Jordan. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Iowa), Drew Ferguson (Ga.), and Don Bacon (Neb.) have reported receiving threats due to their Speaker votes.

Despite the internal conflict and the threats, Jordan appears determined to continue his pursuit of the Speakership. On the second Speaker vote, he secured 199 votes, one less than the previous day. He needs 217 votes to become Speaker with all 433 members present, and a third ballot is expected soon.

Buck, one of the eight Republicans who voted alongside Democrats to unseat former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), expressed his belief that Jordan should reconsider his bid. "I think the best move is for Jim to withdraw at this point," he said. Buck is open to the idea of temporarily making Speaker Pro Rem Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) the Speaker until a more permanent solution is reached. He stressed the need to work collaboratively with his Republican colleagues to secure the 217 votes required for a permanent Speaker.