King taking applications for GOP leader

Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) is taking applications for majority leader and his criteria centers on one thing: Opposition to “amnesty.”

In a dig at current Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.), King on Wednesday signaled he would only vote for a new leader who has a history of opposing a pathway to citizenship for immigrants living in the country illegally.

Wanted: Applicants for Majority Leader in US House who have a record opposing amnesty. Come see me.

— Steve King (@SteveKingIA) June 11, 2014

Cantor is expected to announce Wednesday that he is stepping down as majority leader following his stunning loss to Republican David Brat in Tuesday night’s primary election.

House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, a step below Cantor in leadership, is expected to run for the position. Chairman of the House Rules Committee Pete Sesssions (R-Texas) is also planning a challenge.

King has been a vocal opponent of comprehensive immigration reform. Cantor’s opponent made immigration a focal point of his campaign, attempting to paint Cantor as a supporter of “amnesty.”

Democrats have branded King the face of GOP opposition to reform.

Time for @SteveKingIA to choose the next Majority Leader

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) June 11, 2014

“The question is whether House leadership will side with the Steven Kings or David Brats of the world or will they side with the opinions of the vast majority of Republican voters,” Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a floor speech Wednesday in which he argued that immigration reform is not dead.