In an incredibly embarrassing display for Republicans, It is now three ballots and counting for the election of Speaker of the House. Kevin McCarthy has now failed on three ballots to get the needed 218 votes needed to be elected Speaker. 20 Republicans opposed him on the third ballot, up for 11 and 19 on the first two ballots.
McCarthy does not appear to be able to rally Republicans to his side. Meanwhile, GOP Rep. Jim Jordan – despite endorsing and even nominating McCarthy for Speaker, is now seeing his support growing – 6 votes on Ballot 1, 19 votes on Ballot 2, and 20 on ballot three.
When will McCarthy – for the good of the nation and the Republican Party – throw his support behind a consensus candidate? That could be Jim Jordan – or Steve Scalise. If McCarthy can’t gain support on Ballot 4, I would say it is past time. As I write this, the House has voted to adjourn until Noon tomorrow.