Growing push for McCarthy to take over as Speaker of the House

Washington (CNN)John Boehner appears secure in his speakership – for now.

“The people considering this are being totally irresponsible, but Boehner’s guys, we’re getting ready for whatever may come – not out of fear, but with exasperation about what some Republicans are willing to do to their own party”, said Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., who is part of the speaker’s circle of unofficial advisers.

Bakersfield Congressman Kevin McCarthy has been House Majority Leader for a little more than a year and already there is growing speculation about a possible promotion.

However, a government spending bill that defunds Planned Parenthood does not have the votes to pass the Senate and President Obama has threatened to veto such a measure. Any member could file a motion asking to vacate the speaker’s chair, and a simple majority would force a rare midterm vote on a new speaker. “There’s no point throwing Boehner out until there is somebody to replace him”. Aides to Scalise and McMorris Rodgers said the lawmakers back Boehner’s continued tenure as speaker.

Cheri Bustos, the Democrats wrote to Boehner Thursday saying they are gravely concerned that with less than two weeks to go until the government runs out of money, the House is only in session six more days.

As the Speaker of the House, you have the power to change the legislative calendar.

An attempt to oust the House speaker is complicated and likely requires a small band of Republicans to lock arms with Democrats.

The No. 2 House Republican and the chairman of the powerful Ways and Means committee are putting the hex on any conservative coup to topple House Speaker John Boehner – and calling for an end to palace-like “intrigue” and GOP infighting.

“Number one, I think he’s done a good job”, he said. Right off the bat I have to wonder what sort of coalition would form around this type of strategy because the primary dig at Boehner by the Freedom Caucus is that he’s too mainstream, establishment, or whichever other RINO adjective is in vogue this week. “That’s all it is”. They are waiting to see how Boehner handles a number of thorny issues this fall – including raising the debt limit, whether to revive the controversial Export-Import Bank and the government shutdown fight – before pressing forward on their plans. If every GOP lawmaker voted, Boehner would win with 124 votes.

“Daniel Webster is a very viable alternative”, Massie said. “We don’t have a definite time frame”.

Still, setting aside the demands of this group could be perilous for Boehner, some conservatives warn.

Boehner told The Hill that he has “widespread support amongst my members”, dismissing the notion that he doesn’t have control of his 246-member conference. Even fellow conservatives critical of Meadows say his move was disorganized and ineffective.