Rep. Steve Pearce Votes Against Boehner for Speaker

New Mexico’s only Republican member of Congress voted against House Speaker John Boehner today, casting his vote for House Majority Whip Eric Cantor instead.

Boehner retained his speaker’s gavel despite the defections of 12 Republicans, including Pearce.

Eric Layer, Pearce’s communications director, told me that Pearce was dismayed by Boehner’s position on tax increases earlier this week in the ongoing “fiscal cliff” debate.

“Congressman Pearce voted for a new voice to represent the House in negotiations going forward,” Layer said. “He believes that Speaker Boehner is taking us in the wrong direction.  Congressman Pearce was unable to support the tax plan brought before the House on Tuesday, and feels that he is no longer able to support the negotiator.”

It will be interesting to see how – or if – Pearce’s vote will affect his relationship with Boehner, who controls committee assignments and what legislation sees floor action, as well as the ability to dispense other political perks and punishments.