Utah’s Chaffetz: If Ryan runs for House speaker, I’ll drop out

There are still 2 candidates in the Speaker’s race if Ryan doesn’t get in, but the list of candidates is bound to grow.

His first comment when approached by a reporter Friday was to say, “Interesting times”.

On Thursday, Republicans were aghast when McCarthy told them he wouldn’t seek the speakership.

McCarthy’s decision underscored internal party divisions that have built up in recent years as anti-government Tea Party-backed Republicans began entering Congress. Ryan points to his young family as the source of his reluctance to take the job, which requires constant travel and fundraising. But neither appears capable of winning the 218 votes necessary to become speaker, leaving Boehner at the helm longer than the Ohio Republican wanted.

Devin Nunes of California urged the speaker to remain, saying moderates had no immediate alternative. As lawmakers settled down, many eating a barbecue lunch, McCarthy strode to the lectern.

Ryan, the powerful chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, signaled that he was headed home to Wisconsin to reconsider his repeatedly stated position that he does not want the job. That election was set for October 29, but its date is now uncertain. “We’ll find a way to do it”, he told reporters. “We’re going to unite around that person”.

“Paul has earned a great deal of credibility, especially on fiscal issues”, said Rep. Mick Mulvaney of South Carolina. The conservative bloc of nearly 40 Republicans endorsed Webster on Wednesday.

Ryan’s spokesman, Brendan Buck, said: “Chairman Ryan appreciates the support he’s getting from his colleagues but is still not running for speaker”. At a candidates’ forum Monday, “he was very specifically non-specific”, Huelskamp said.

What about a “coalition speaker”?

Republican Representative David Schweikert of Arizona said the Freedom Caucus’ support for Webster was about allowing more members to have a voice in legislative business.

“It’s clear there’s a lot of factionalism”, said Dent.

The high court then turned to Lewis, who made his recommendation on Friday following a three-day trial, during which he sorted through seven different proposals. He had been facing concerns from the more conservative members of the Republican conference who ousted Boehner.

Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said in a statement. In a stunning move, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy withdrew h…

For all the talk about ideology, the split among Republicans is often more about tactics.

Indeed, the next speaker will face a quick test to corral lawmakers who equate compromise with surrender.

The meeting was centered on the rules and process going forward, members said.

Hillary Clinton and Benghazi. And a few outside conservatives were pointing to his support for immigration legislation and the 2008 Wall Street bailout as disqualifying him for the speaker’s chair.

The flap raised questions not only about McCarthy’s political ability and instincts, but also his communication skills, key aspects of a party leader’s job.

The other candidates who have been front-runners in the wake of McCarthy’s pullout, such as Reps.

“Kevin McCarthy is best person to lead the House, and so I’m disappointed in this decision”, Ryan said. Rep. Fred Upton said: “He needs to do this for the team, that’s what we are all telling him”.

Pete Sessions of Texas said he had no idea when an election will take place. McCarthy says, “I don’t want to go to the floor and win with 220 votes”.