Why not Tom Cole for Speaker of the House?

If Democrats could end up supporting a Republican, or at least vote 'present' to move the majority math forward, Cole might be the most palatable candidate, sources say.

Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), honored Native American code talkers with the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor in 2013. (courtesy Cole’s office)

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) is being increasingly chattered about in Native and political circles as a potential compromise candidate to become the next U.S. Speaker of the House.

Cole, 73, has served in the U.S. Congress since 2003 and last year became the longest serving Native American in the history of the body.

In his favor, Cole is popular among moderates and conservative Republicans. He’s also often worked across the aisle with Democrats on tribal and appropriations issues.

He is a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and has supported many tribal bills during his tenure and has educated numerous colleagues on Indigenous issues over the years.

In interviews last year with Indigenous Wire, he discussed his beliefs on bipartisanship, as well as what it takes to create legislation that can pass muster.