SEATTLE — The dysfunction in the U.S. House of Representatives over Republicans electing a leader for their narrow majority is clear to Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.
The Democrat from southwest Washington was elected as a centrist.
“I think the average American looks at this and sees a Congress that is not functioning, and that’s really frustrating,” Gluesenkamp Perez said.
The GOP struggle to elect a Speaker of the House is bringing talk of a possible coalition choice supported by Democrats and some Republicans.
After a sixth attempt, the party’s conservative wing still refused to support Republican Kevin McCarthy.
“I would love to see a unity candidate come forward,” Gluesenkamp Perez said.
Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Washington) said his party is united, voting multiple times for leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.
“It’s really on the Republicans to sort through the rift in their party,” Larsen said.
“The fact that Congress right now is stuck in the parking lot is a problem, and the sooner we can put this sort of goat rodeo to bed and focus on the work that needs to be done for the American people, the better,” said Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Washington).
Former state Republican Party chair Chris Vance, who is now an independent, said the chaos won’t help his former party in the long run.
“The party’s extreme wing is now running the show,” Vance said. “This further cements in the minds of moderate suburban voters that Republicans are crazy and can’t be trusted with power.”
Washington’s two Republicans in Congress, Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Dan Newhouse, both voted for McCarthy.
Neither responded to a request for an interview.
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