House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon, R-Calif., and panel member Mike Turner, R-Ohio, were involved in an awkward moment last week. (Image by Defense News staff)
It was one of the most bizarre afternoons for reporters on Washington’s defense beat in some time. The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee announced his retirement last Wednesday. Well, kind of. Confirmation came not from Rep. Buck McKeon, but a HASC member sources say has eyes on the gavel.
Reporters from Defense News and other publications, tipped by a Tweet from a California political blogger, were scrambling to confirm rumors McKeon had decided against seeking a 12th term in California’s 25th District.
After several publications, including Defense News, citing anonymous sources, reported McKeon would announce his retirement by last week’s end, an email was blasted out with what seemed confirmation. Only it didn’t come from McKeon’s House office, nor his Armed Services Committee staff.
The email, later “retracted,” instead came from HASC member Mike Turner, R-Ohio.
Awkward.
The apparent gaffe drew grimaces from even the most cynical congressional and defense reporters, who are accustomed to gaffes after years covering over-budget and behind-schedule weapon programs, as well as Congress’ utter dysfunction lately.
Turner’s office quickly sent a second email, announcing the retraction — hard to pull off in the Digital Age — and explaining the McKeon retirement statement went out without Turner’s “authorization.”
Inevitably, some members of the defense sector with Hill experience couldn’t help speculate about other motives.
“Turner definitely got out over his skis with that one,” said one defense industry source with ties to the Armed Services Committee. “It does make you wonder…”
Asked if there is ill will between Turner and his fellow-Republican McKeon, one top defense industry lobbyist replied: “Not really, but maybe a little.”
“McKeon has said publicly that he wants Thornberry to be his successor as chairman of HASC,” the lobbyist said. “Turner wants to challenge Thornberry for the [HASC] chairmanship.”
There’s no evidence the incident was anything more than a staffer mistake amid a confusing afternoon. And McKeon had met with all panel members earlier that day, so Turner’s office likely had the email ready to go when confirmation came. Perhaps an aide saw the reports and merely jumped the gun. It happens.
What’s more clear, however is the race for the next HASC chairman is underway. In fact, it started months before McKeon’s decided to hang up his member pin and voting card.
Stay tuned. The palace intrigue, posturing, and political shots are only beginning.