Johnson says Mace hasn’t been ‘productive’ in moving ‘the team forward’ following third failed speaker vote

Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) expressed deep frustrations with members of the House of Representatives, calling out Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) as the chamber went into its third week without a speaker.

“Let’s be clear, Nancy Mace — it’s been a long time since she’s done being productive to move forward this broader team. America’s got real problems, and this is the time where we need people who are interested in problem-solving, not self-aggrandizement,” Johnson told CNN following the vote.

HOUSE GOP CONFERENCE VOTES TO ABANDON JORDAN AS SPEAKER NOMINEE

In response to Johnson’s comments, Mace said in a statement to the Washington Examiner, “This has all been about keeping promises, leadership, and doing the right thing for the people we represent. If my colleagues want to vote against the will of the people who elected them that’s their call. But unlike them, my ‘broader team’ is the people of South Carolina, not anyone in Washington.”

Mace is one of eight Republicans who asked for GOP holdouts to “vote with the team” to elect Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) to the speakership despite three failed votes. Mace, along with other GOP members, posted a letter Friday saying they’ll face the consequences to secure the gavel for Jordan. The consequences could include being removed from the House GOP Conference, censure, or suspension.

“It’s frustrating,” Johnson said when asked about Mace, who was one of eight Republicans who voted to oust Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as speaker in a historic vote two weeks ago.

“I think most of us know, whether you come from South Dakota, South Carolina, or Washington state, that there are always going to be people who are more interested in themselves rather than the team, and I think Americans are sick, and I know most members of the House are sick of it,” Johnson said. “

“It is time for big boys and big girls to stop with the nonsense and get back to work for the United States,” he added.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Jordan dropped out of the speaker’s race Friday after he lost a third round in a secret vote, with 25 Republicans in opposition. The GOP conference moved on to seeking new nominations, and the deadline to file is noon on Sunday. A candidate forum is expected on Monday, followed by a conference vote on Tuesday. The Washington Examiner has confirmed multiple candidates so far; Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) has thrown his name into the running, and so has Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA), who lost the GOP’s nomination to Jordan last week.

The Washington Examiner reached out to Mace’s office for comment.