The McCarthy mess drags on for a second day. Congressional GOP members are still gridlocked over their vote for a House Speaker. A core group of conservatives delivered defeat after defeat to Republican leader Kevin McCarthy in his quest for the gavel. An embarrassing blow to the House majority that’s thrown both the party and its agenda into chaos.
Wednesday, members again put forward an alternative candidate, Republican Representative Byron Donalds of Florida who received a consistent 20 votes during the multiple ballots. And Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is getting unanimous support from his caucus. Several prominent leaders of the GOP today urged McCarthy to make a deal with the members opposing his speakership or step aside. While former President Donald Trump told him to hold on, personally calling his defectors and telling them to quote “knock it off.” Even President Joe Biden called it an “embarrassment,” but none of it seems to be ending the impasse, one that hasn’t happened in a hundred years and is keeping all congressional business at a standstill.
