GOP/HOUSE OF REPS/TRUMP PEOPLE: “House Majority Whip Steve Scalise on Monday [7-9-18] released a statement backing Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) against accusations that he turned a blind eye to sexual abuse decades ago. The Louisiana Republican is the first member of leadership to publicly back Jordan, who has long been a thorn in GOP leadership’s side as leader of the House Freedom Caucus…Several former Ohio State University wrestlers have described rampant sexual abuse by the team physician during a span that included Jordan’s stint as an assistant coach for the team in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Scalise’s statement comes as lawmakers speculate about who will replace retiring Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). The next speaker will undoubtedly need the support of the Freedom Caucus, and both Scalise and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Ryan’s No. 2, have been courting the group. Scalise has said he will not run against McCarthy.”
–Rachael Bade and Jake Sherman, “Scalise defends Jordan amid sex abuse scandal,” Politico, July 9, 2018 6:23 pm