House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and his constituents have worked hard to move the RINO to the top through bullying tactics. It appears that it’s somewhat working, according to the numbers.
At the end of last week, at least 20 GOP members were set on a “hard no” vote for McCarthy. But it was reported yesterday by the Washington Post that his opposition is down to 11-12 “no votes.” Still, McCarthy will not reach 218 votes with anything more than four “no” votes.
Critics of McCarthy say they are preparing for a new challenger to come forward. They expect a messy speaker-elect process on January 3rd as the Republican party settles into the new majority. McCarthy still stands by his announcement as self-proposed Speaker-elect and insists he will have the 218 votes needed to secure the seat. But Conservative Republicans are working hard to make sure that never happens.
Republicans supporting House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to become speaker are calling for his detractors to unite behind him, but one of his main critics says others are ready to challenge the California Republican. https://t.co/plfndytgAV
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 2, 2022
Many Conservatives are waiting for McCarthy to lose on House voting day before they present their bid for the speakership, according to Rep. Bob Good (R-VA). Good said, “quality candidates who represent the conservative center of the Republican conference are privately acknowledging that once it becomes clear, it’s not going to be Kevin McCarthy, they are interested in becoming speaker.” He further expressed that those members who sit in wait will excite Republicans across the country, but they can’t come forward until McCarthy officially loses the bid.
It’s unclear whether this wait for conservatives to announce their bid is a protection tactic in defense of McCarthy’s threats last week to promote another RINO or even Democrat as Speaker-elect. On the other side of the coin, the bullying tactics seem to be working.
Conservatives who aren’t backing down say that the threat to elect a Democratic Speaker shouldn’t happen. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) said, “I don’t buy it. Name the Democrat a Republican would vote for.” Most Republicans are starting to acknowledge that the speaker’s race could go to multiple ballots instead.
