GOP Rep. Hice says process to replace Cheney in House leadership has 'bad feel and smell'

Georgia Republican Rep. Jody Hice said Thursday the plan to swiftly replace ousted House Republican Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney with Rep. Elise Stefanik has a "bad feel and smell." 

Hice made the comment on "Just the News AM" one day after his conference removed Cheney from the post for failing to work with the leadership team, including her insistence to publicly oppose former President Trump's claims about widespread 2020 voting fraud – and appeared poised to replace her with Stefanik.

"It has a bad feel and smell," Hice said, saying that choosing Stefanik is a "fixed deal already."

The New York lawmaker moved quickly to take the No. 3 leadership position, securing the backing of Trump, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Minority Whip Steve Scalise – with apparently no input from rank-and-file conference members. 

Furthermore, McCarthy is reportedly set on a vote Friday on the change, before a revolt over Stefanik, whose conservative credentials are being challenged, takes hold.

Hice also said he has "some serious questions" over the process to replace Cheney. But he did not say whether he supports Stefanik's bid.

"It appears as though others have been pushed out of the race so that there's not going to be a legitimate election," he told show host Sophie Mann. 

He also said the conference is expected to meet later Thursday night to decide on the leadership position.