"My commission stands as a major obstacle between Biden's socialist agenda and the U.S. Constitution." will,” Comer told the raucous crowd in his letter. Thick Appalachian Roll.
It's easy to see why the self-proclaimed 'redneck' waiting chair fascinated so many people in The Hill. He has long been known as a sharp and amiable colleague on both sides of the aisle, with a tendency to lean back in an almost schemingly quiet voice, often just cracking timely jokes at his own expense. But beyond that personal attraction, Comer stressed that it was his priority to keep the Oversight Board's work "credible." It's a tough road, given that 's priorities are still subject to the whims of former President Donald Trump and the increasingly overzealous conservatives and media apparatus. But interviews with more than 20 House Republicans say Mr. Comer is particularly well suited for the job. And if he does it well, it can provide a springboard to higher office.Comer is not discounting future bids for the Senate or Kentucky Governor.
"I'm not going to follow right-wing blogs or their conspiracy theories," Comer told POLITICO. A one-hour interview conducted in a rental RV trailer where his campaign was parked at Picnic. ,” he said, would include providing necessary oversight over a Republican administration that could come to power in 2024. Comer, he describes himself, has promised to make sure that both parties take his investigation seriously. However, he is gearing up in hopes of being able to make a bipartisan impact, deliberately studying how the chairs on both sides of the aisle have effectively guided panels in the past, and We are looking to the future by building relationships with inspectors from different agencies. A very important part of our investigation.
And although Comer says Hunter Biden will likely get a subpoena if he declines an invitation to sit on the committee next year, he is content to issue a subpoena.
``This is not a dog and pony show. No," he said, nodding to past House Democrat investigations into Trump's campaign and Russian election interference. “Unlike Adam Schiff, I have something tangible and substantive about Hunter Biden, or I’m not going to talk about Hunter Biden.”
If Republicans win the House of Representatives, the overseer will be strong. political clout, increased interest among Republicans, and may enjoy the opportunity to go viral while denouncing Biden officials from the pedestal of the committee. ) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R, Georgia) have expressed interest in joining Comer and Republican leaders' panel, Kentuckians confirmed. And half of the current Republicans on the committee are members of the pro-Trump Liberal caucuses, with many members having inflammatory reputations of their own.
“Every [Chairman] has a problem. Rep. Sessions (R-Texas) said: "They're going to get things done, not fame."
Comer is the first to admit he's not as good at "delivering a red-meat message to Republicans" as Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), who is expected to chair the House Judiciary Committee. . However, he says he believes the members "have bought into my style."
Republicans on the panel did not dissent. When interviewed, almost every House Oversight Republican who has served on a committee since the inception of this Congress described Comer as serious, quiet, friendly, outspoken, willing to listen, and skilled. No one, including members of the Freedom Caucus, raised any concerns about his future leadership. Two members declined to comment.
Former HFC Chairman Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Arizona) said he believes Comer and Jordan will be more aggressive than past Republican chairmen. Rep. Clay Higgins (R-Laos), member of the Freedom Caucus, described Kammer as a "low-key gentleman" who has achieved his goals in his panel remarks, positions and leadership so far. . Freshman Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Florida) said Comer was "clever" in giving freedom to members and not trying to control them. Retired Congressman Jody Heiss (R-Ga.) said he "never had a bad experience with Jamie" and described him as "honest" and fun company.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), a more moderate member of the panel, held Kummer in high esteem and repurposed an explanation often applied to farts, citing his playfulness. captured a certain quality.
Even the committee's Democratic counterpart, Chairman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), praised him for being polite and voicing support for them to continue finding common ground again if the majority flipped. expressed hope. She pointed to their ability to pass a major postal reform overhaul bill earlier this year. such as describing the intelligence agency as the “deep state” in Newsmax after the FBI searched Trump’s home.
Back in Kentucky, Comer was louder and more outgoing than he was at Beltway. As he returned to his familiar springboard, he exclaimed, "Nice to meet you," to various officials who frequently praised his news appearances on Fox. Before his district's latest redrawn line, Comer held one of the most conservative seats in the country, boasting a 72-point swing for Trump.
His 12th in the Kentucky Legislature, former Agriculture Commissioner and former gubernatorial candidate who narrowly lost the primary by just 84 votes to him in 2015. of Fancy Farms has spoken on the podium. He remembered attending a picnic, a charity fundraiser for St. Jerome Catholic Church, as a child with his grandfather Harlyn Kummer, the former Republican Party chairman of Monroe County.
And Comer is in clear contact with party elders, kings and voters in the state. At the pre- and post-picnic events, Comer spent his days playing golf, dining, and chatting with an ever-changing group of people in a log cabin outside his fancy farm. Rise — state politics.
"It goes back to Monroe County politics," said Republican Rep. Brett Guthrie of Bluegrass. "They know how to manipulate factions. I think you'll see that with Jamie.