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Paul Ryan Sees His Wild Washington Journey Coming to An End
He felt he was ‘made for this moment.’ But now, on the verge of achieving his long-sought legislative dream, he’s got his eyes on the exits.
*This article has been updated
Ryan was tiring of D.C. even before reluctantly accepting the speakership. He told his predecessor, John Boehner, that it would be his last job in politics—and that it wasn’t a long-term proposition.
In the months following Trump’s victory, he began contemplating the scenarios of his departure. More recently, over closely held conversations with his kitchen cabinet, Ryan’s preference has become clear: He would like to serve through Election Day 2018 and retire ahead of the next Congress.
This would give Ryan a final legislative year to chase his second white whale, entitlement reform, while using his unrivaled fundraising prowess to help protect the House majority—all with the benefit of averting an ugly internecine power struggle during election season. Ryan has never loved the job; he oozes aggravation when discussing intra-party debates over “micro-tactics,” and friends say he feels like he’s running a daycare center.
On a personal level, going home at the end of next year would allow Ryan, who turns 48 next month, to keep promises to family; his three children are in or entering their teenage years, and Ryan, whose father died at 55, wants desperately to live at home with them full-time before they begin flying the nest. The best part of this scenario, people close to the speaker emphasize: He wouldn’t have to share the ballot with Trump again in 2020.
Whoooaaaa! The article is really detailed. You should read it. Ryan has not yet made a statement that he’s leaving.
*UPDATE:
House Speaker Paul Ryan says he’s not leaving Congress anytime soon.
Asked by a reporter if he’s quitting anytime soon, Ryan chuckled and said, “I’m not. No.”
Ryan spoke as Politico and the Huffington Post published reports speculating that Ryan would make this term his last or even quit within weeks.
Ashlee Strong, spokeswoman for Ryan told CBS news the reports were “pure speculation.”
“As the speaker himself said today, he’s not going anywhere any time soon,” Strong added.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said President Donald Trump called Ryan and the president made it clear he wouldn’t be happy if Ryan quit Congress.
“The Speaker assured the president that those were not accurate reports and that they look forward to working together for a long time to come,” Sanders said at Thursday’s press briefing.
