Looks like roll-call vote is happening right now. I'm surprised at the challenges to McCarthy but I haven't paid much attention. How do we feel about this? Seems like the GOP would have had this ironed out before now.
I think McCarthy has already lost the first round, unless someone changes their vote. Ten Republicans (I assume) voted for Biggs so far.
I just read that he lost 19 R votes, not close. Apparently he had a meeting with the Freedom Caucus before the vote. They wanted certain concessions from him which he refused. The democrats got 212 votes for their choice, McCarthy got 203. First time since 1923 a house speaker representing the majority failed on the first vote. Even if he gets elected, it’s clear he has little backing so one has to wonder about his future. I think one thing the Freedom Caucus wanted was the ability to cast no confidence votes at any time. Obviously not something he would like. I haven’t read real carefully on this so correct away if I’ve got it wrong anywhere. Here are the 19 and who they voted for, as reported on another forum. Andy Biggs-AZ (Andy Biggs) Dan Bishop-NC (Andy Biggs) Lauren Boebert-CO (Jim Jordan) Josh Brecheen-OK (Jim Banks) Michael Cloud-TX (Jim Jordan) Andrew Clyde-GA (Andy Biggs) Eli Crane-AZ (Andy Biggs) Matt Gaetz-FL (Andy Biggs) Bob Good-VA (Andy Biggs) Paul Gosar-AZ (Andy Biggs) Andy Harris-MD (Lee Zeldin) Anna Paulina Luna-FL (Jim Jordan) Mary Miller-IL (Jim Jordan) Ralph Norman-SC (Andy Biggs) Andy Ogles-TN (Jim Jordan) Scott Perry-PA (Andy Biggs) Matt Rosendale-MT (Andy Biggs) Chip Roy-TX (Byron Donalds) Keith Self-TX (Jim Jordan)
Funny that Jim Jordan gave the speech to promote McCarthy, then Jordan got 19 votes. (I'd prefer Jordan to McCarthy any day.) And to the Republicans in the House: This is why we can't have nice things. You are all ridiculous so do your damn jobs for a change.
Maybe McCarthy can claim the vote was rigged. Take it to the courts and get a stay. By the time it reaches the Supreme Court on appeal everyone will get tired and surrender.
Today's nominating speeches all seem to be coordinated. Their purpose was not really to nominate but promote their supposed agenda. Possibly because it was being telecast, at least on the news shows, nationwide. I'm not so much criticizing. They do this all the time in televised committee hearings. Promoting themselves, rather than ask questions. It's just that I'm curious if they also have a plan about how this speakership thing is going to end up. Or do they just want attention.
Matt Gaetz (R-FL) didn't mince his words about McCarthy. “If you want to drain the swamp you can’t put the biggest alligator in charge of the exercise,” Gaetz explained. “I am a Florida man and I know of what I speak.” Gaetz continued to criticize McCarthy on the House floor on Tuesday. “Maybe the right person isn’t someone who has sold shares of himself to get it." This is going to be a long week, people.
When you see McCarthy's speech after January 6, you can see why there is rebellion. McCarthy was mimicking Pelosi's words. With the recent release of records and documents, it appears that Pelosi was the one who planned Jan 6, not Trump and McCarthy was on the side of those who planned the incident.
Chip Roy (R-Tx) nominates Jim Jordan for speaker. Pretty good speech and I don't even know who Chip Roy is. (4 minute video)
Lol…..You’re pullin’ this blue eyed Cajun’s leg Beth. Ya’ll are probably cousins and he’s been over to the house for BBQ.