Last week House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives would form a special committee to investigate what happened in Benghazi, Libya the night of 9/11/2012, the 11th anniversary of 9/11 when four Americans were killed in a terrorist raid on America's diplomatic compound. Rumors swirled that Boehner would tap Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC) -- a former federal prosecutor and member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee -- to head the inquiry. We now know these rumors to be true (via Fox News’ Mike Emanuel):
Boehner selects Gowdy to head Benghazi select panel: "I know his professionalism and grit will earn him the respect of the American people.”
— Mike Emanuel (@MikeEmanuelFox) May 5, 2014
Republicans will almost certainly applaud Boehner’s selection; Rep. Gowdy has made a splash in recent months for his tenaciousness and prosecutorial acumen when questioning witnesses about Benghazi under oath. Congressional Democrats have vowed to boycott the hearings entirely, however, and Obama administration officials, past and present, have publicly denigrated Republicans’ efforts to uncover the truth.
Rep. Gowdy will have his hands full navigating the waters of a hot political scandal as partisan and ad hominem attacks increase in frequency. But Speaker Boehner chose him for a reason.
I can think of no better choice.