Personally, I don’t think that McCarthy would be withdrawing at this point if he hadn’t inadvertently given Democrats a beautiful talking point that they immediately twisted and exploited

neo, the rumor going around D.C., and North Carolina, is McCarthy is/was having an affair with Renee Elmers, a ‘conservative’ Republican recently elected from North Carolina who turned RINO once she got into Congress. (The affair is an open secret to many North Carolinians as well as to many Congresspeeps.) That’s why Rep. Walter Jones, R-NC, sent a letter to House Republicans saying those who have skeletons in their closet should not run for speaker. That letter came out and BOOM!, McCarthy pulled out of the running. I’d say that some ’cause and effect’ right there.

This is a Mexican standoff. The only way it will end is with a compromise candidate, or if the establishment finds a way to bribe/threaten enough of the House conservatives.

A motion to vacate is privileged, and cannot be blocked.

That was why Boehner never took that route, even though Dems would’ve supported the whiny crybaby in an instant over a real conservative. It would’ve been Boehner’s last term in Congress if that had happened.

“Representatives are not restricted to voting for one of the nominated candidates and may vote for any person, even for someone who is not a member of the House at all.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speaker_of_the_United_States_House_of_Representatives

Hypothetical: Peter King gains pledges from 29 Republicans and tells the Democrats. Come the vote 188 Democrats and 30 Republicans vote for King.

You are right and wrong.

It’s a two-step procedure.

The Republicans pick their party’s choice.

The Democrats caucus and pick their party’s choice.

The final vote is a mere formality as no-one ever crosses the aisle.

No minority vote means anything at that point — as the majority party will vote straight down the party line.

The Republicans will NOT let the vote even occur until they’ve fallen into unity around a new Speaker.

This may actually entail bringing Newt back — as a temp — for just the next session.

BTW, the Speaker can’t vote on any bill. He’s the Speaker.

If Newt were installed, the GOP would actually gain a vote because of this, not that their majority is hanging by a thread.

If HRC is our next president – I figure the Republic is finished.

America will have taken the same plunge as ancient Rome… with the legislature reduced to farce and corruption.

For HRC has all of the high hat of Barry — with a LOT more industry.