Jason Chaffetz Thinks Paul Ryan Would Be a ‘Wonderful’ Speaker

Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R—Utah) thinks Paul Ryan (R—Wisc.) would make a “wonderful” House speaker.

“I think he checks every box,” Chaffetz told ABC’s This Week. “He’s got the great experience. He’s a visionary. He understands the institution. He’s a great spokesperson.”

Despite effusive praise from other Republicans, including former top Speaker candidate Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R.—Calif.), Ryan has said that he is not interested in running for the position. Being Speaker requires becoming a face for the party with extensive travel and fundraising, and Ryan has cited his young children as a dissuading factor.

Chaffetz, who has emerged as a prime contender for the House speaker seat vacated by Rep. John Boehner (D.-Ohio), said that the former vice presidential candidate’s youth and family is exactly what makes him a great Speaker candidate.

“One of the things that I think people love is that he puts his family first,” Chaffetz said. “He’s got young kids. He’ll have to make that decision. But I think he would be a wonderful speaker, just like I thought he would be a great vice president or president.”