Current Events > Gym Jordan remains popular in his district, despite Speaker flameout

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Rep. Jim Jordan, so far, has failed to get the needed votes to become House Speaker but his fight for the coveted leadership role isnt done, and the devotion of many of his constituents back in Ohio seems unwavering.

In Washington, Jordan has made a name for himself as a conservative pugilist in line with his avid supporter, former President Donald Trump by being unafraid to duke it out in the political arena, especially against his Democratic colleagues. Hes a founder of the Freedom Caucus, a contingent of cantankerous and often chaotic far-right House Republicans, and hes one of the loudest voices continuing to perpetuate false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen.

In Ohio, Jordan is a hometown boy whose Ohio State University wrestling coach title, conservative policies and never-say-die persona on Capitol Hill have earned him more devotion than hes currently receiving in Congress.

He says what he believes in, because hes there for the people, said Betty Lemmon, a 77-year-old Republican from Champaign County. Jordan, she said, would make an excellent House speaker, citing a track record of his leading the ideological charge for Trump, who she voted for in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.

It was a common theme on a cloudy fall day in downtown Urbana, Ohio an oasis of cafes and antique stores in the sprawling, rich farmland that makes up most of Jordans district. Its a district Jordan won with nearly 70 percent of the vote in the last election, and one that the Ohio Supreme Court has ruled multiple times to be unconstitutional under gerrymandered congressional maps drawn by Jordans fellow Republicans.

Constituents interviewed by the Associated Press applauded his fighting spirit and conservative stances on federal issues like border security and abortion.

Several liked that he still refuses to comply with a congressional subpoena about the Jan. 6 attack at the Capitol and is leading the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, touting a stick it to the man attitude.

Cynthia Leach, a Republican store owner in Urbanas Monument Square, called Jordan not easily persuaded and forceful qualities she said she admires in a leader.

But for all his stances and inquiries, Jordans achievements as a legislator are harder to spot. While Russell Dye, a spokesperson for Jordan, noted in an email that Jordan has signed his name to support over 60 bills created by other legislators that have become law, no bill Jordan has sponsored himself has had much movement in the House since he was first elected in 2006.

When asked about what Jordan has done specifically for his district, Dye did not cite any of Jordans legislation, but instead pointed to casework for constituents. Congressman Jordan has always done what he told the voters he would do whether its assisting seniors getting Medicare and Social Security benefits, expediting passports, helping veterans, meeting with thousands of constituents, or touring hundreds of businesses in Ohios 4th district and the constituents know it.

But there are voices critical of Jordan even in the heavily Republican district.
Sherry Vaught, a Democratic mayoral candidate in Mansfield, had harsh criticism for the Ohio congressman as his possible speakership looms. She said Jordan has been too busy dividing the U.S. House to get any real work done for the people he represents.

While hes busy scoring points in political theater and pursuing partisan agendas, the people are struggling with real issues right here at home, Vaught said in a statement.

But what Jordans done so far appeals to his supporters, who said they are proud to have such a vocal, well-known and brawling representative in their corner. Theyre happy that hes become a Trump darling, a possible federal leader and one of the most talked about politicians in the country.

How he gets people talking is part of his appeal, said Herb Asher, a political science professor at The Ohio State University. Jordans seat is ideal for a Republican like him a red district in a red state thats embraced more radical Republicans like Sen. J.D. Vance in recent years.

There are many people who are happy to have a member of Congress who says what they think, Asher said.

JD Knopp, an 18-year-old resident of Mechanicsburg, Ohio just outside Urbana, said he thinks Jordan will make a great leader for a divided Republican party.

He doesnt take crap off of anybody. Hes a country boy, he said.

Knopp likes that Jordan puts other politicians in their place and his drain the swamp mentality. Whether Jordan becomes speaker wont affect his opinion, but it might change how he views those who keep the congressman from winning the speakership.

I guess theyre RINOs, then, Knopp shrugged, referring to a term used to describe Republicans in name only.

What's the gym joke

What's the gym joke

HIs gerrymandered-to-hell district*

oh it says it in the article >_>

Oh, you mean he's still popular in his handpicked, heavily gerrymandered seahorse-like district, which was specifically set up to get and keep a republican shitheel like him in office?

He says what he believes in, because hes there for the people

How people can vote for such politicians is beyond me.