Rep. Mark Meadows: From 'Fat Nerd' to 'Rock-Ribbed' Boehner Opponent

North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows, a conservative Republican who has introduced a procedural move to try and unseat House Speaker John Boehner from his post, has gained a lot of confidence since his self-described days as a "fat nerd" during high school in Tampa Bay, Florida.

"It’s tough. When you grow up as a fat kid, everybody makes fun of you, and all you want to do is fit in," the second-term congressman told the Smoky Mountain News in 2012. "When you run for office, people say stuff. It, at times, can step on pains. We just want to like everyone and be liked."

The evangelical Christian and real estate developer from western North Carolina is known around Washington for being "collegial" with both sides of the aisle, though Politico reports that Meadows is also a "rock-ribbed conservative" with a rebellious streak.

"He’s among the cadre of conservatives who earlier this year launched the House Freedom Caucus, which has been a hotbed for scheming against leadership," according to Politico. "He voted against Boehner for speaker on the House floor in January — one of 25 Republicans to do so. He also cast one of just 34 Republican votes against a pivotal procedural move on trade.

In June, Meadows was briefly removed from his chairmanship as retaliation for opposing a procedural trade vote.

Meadows has couched his move to unseat Boehner, which he initiated Tuesday, as a way to spark a "family discussion" within the GOP "about how the House is run," according to Politico. Punishing members who don’t tow the party line is unacceptable, he said.

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