GOP/PAUL RYAN/TRUMP PEOPLE: “When House Speaker Paul Ryan announced his retirement decision, he did so on his own terms. The political fallout may not be so easy to control. Ryan’s relinquishing of one of the most powerful positions in Washington left Republicans scrambling Thursday [4-12-18] over not only who will replace him, but whether he can stick around until January, as he plans. Ryan’s now-lame-duck status threatens to clip GOP fundraising just as his party is facing a more difficult — and expensive — election season than expected. Voters are fired up in opposition to President Donald Trump and Republicans are mindful that their message touting regulatory relief and tax cuts may not be enough.Control of the House was already at risk in a tough midterm election. Now some wonder aloud if the GOP grip on the majority is already lost.”
-Lisa Mascaro and Bill Barrow, “Ryan’s departure sparks unrest, GOP fears losing House,” The Associated Press, April 12, 2018 11:11 am