DeSantis keeps distance from Rosenstein impeachment, backs embattled Rep. Jim Jordan for House speaker

WASHINGTON – Rep. Ron DeSantis says he thinks Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein should be "held accountable" but hasn't joined an impeachment push led by a handful of arch defenders of President Donald Trump.

"It would probably be easier to hold him in contempt of Congress," DeSantis, the Trump-backed candidate for governor, said in a video interview with America First Coalition, adding, "not saying he doesn't merit removal."

Despite being a visible critic of the Russia investigation and Rosenstein, DeSantis was not among the 11 lawmakers who introduced the impeachment resolution, which instantly met a dead end with House Republican leaders.

Fellow Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz is part of the group, along with Rep. Jim Jordan, the Ohio lawmaker who is running for speaker but is embroiled in a controversy over whether he knew about alleged sexual abuse of wrestlers at Ohio State.

Asked if he would support Jordan's bid, DeSantis replied, "Sure, absolutely."

"Look, Jim is a champion a wrestler. He's tough. He's principled," DeSantis told America First Coalition in a video circulated by the liberal opposition group American Bridge. "And Jim Jordan were speaker, we'd get these documents (related to Russia probe) tomorrow because he fights and he would dig in.

"I think it would great. I think all the lobbyists would be quaking in their boots if Jim Jordan was speaker. The swamp would immediately start to drain. … Jim would bring change to fight for taxpayer and fight the swamp."

DeSantis has not responded to questions about the allegations facing Jordan, who has contributed to his gubernatorial campaign.

Gaetz, on the other hand, says Jordan has been targeted because of his questions about FBI conduct related to the Russia investigation.

NBC News reported Wednesday that Jordan's accusers were urged to recant.