Rep. Patrick McHenry Bows Out

null By The Editorial BoardDec. 5, 2023 6:41 pm ETWonder Land: If control of both the House and Senate returns to the Democratic left in 2024, Matt Gaetz and his seven Republican sidekicks will be remembered for a historic sellout of conservatism. Images: Zuma Press/Getty Images/Reuters/Shutterstock Composite: Mark KellyWith the national debt at $33 trillion and counting, and the economy on a slow-growth trajectory, economic policy-making should be at a premium on Capitol Hill. Yet Republicans are losing another lawmaker who’s serious about such things, after North Carolina Rep. Patrick McHenry said Tuesday he won’t run for re-election next year.Mr. McHenry’s most famous role was spending three weeks as interim Speaker, after the GOP mutiny that ousted Kevin McCarthy. It was a silly interlude, but Mr. McHenry presided ably, in his trademark bow tie. His statement Tuesday didn’t give a specific reason for stepping aside in 2024, other than that there’s “a season for everything.” He ev

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The Editorial Board

Dec. 5, 2023 6:41 pm ET

Wonder Land: If control of both the House and Senate returns to the Democratic left in 2024, Matt Gaetz and his seven Republican sidekicks will be remembered for a historic sellout of conservatism. Images: Zuma Press/Getty Images/Reuters/Shutterstock Composite: Mark Kelly

With the national debt at $33 trillion and counting, and the economy on a slow-growth trajectory, economic policy-making should be at a premium on Capitol Hill. Yet Republicans are losing another lawmaker who’s serious about such things, after North Carolina Rep. Patrick McHenry said Tuesday he won’t run for re-election next year.

Mr. McHenry’s most famous role was spending three weeks as interim Speaker, after the GOP mutiny that ousted Kevin McCarthy. It was a silly interlude, but Mr. McHenry presided ably, in his trademark bow tie. His statement Tuesday didn’t give a specific reason for stepping aside in 2024, other than that there’s “a season for everything.” He even tried to tamp down pessimism.