McCarthy struggles to win support for Speaker with hours until floor showdown
BY EMILY BROOKS - 01/02/23 6:43 PM ETWith less than 24 hours before the House is set to vote on a Speaker, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has yet to lock up the votes to secure the gavel.
McCarthy has made some late concessions and overtures to the right flank that weaken his own power and aim to address its requests to take a more aggressive stance against Democrats and the Biden administration.
But those who have declared opposition to him are not wavering, and critics who have not declared how they intend to vote are showing signs of stronger resistance to McCarthy rather than support for him.
“The fact that we are now approaching the eleventh hour is not the fault, or is not the responsibility, of his detractors. It’s his responsibility, and the blame lies with him,” House Freedom Caucus Chairman Scott Perry (R-Pa.), who has not said how he plans to vote on the floor, told The Hill on Sunday.
Additionally, the Club for Growth, an influential conservative group, is urging opposition to a Speaker candidate who does not make other concessions — measures that McCarthy is unlikely to support.
With 222 incoming Republicans to 212 Democrats, McCarthy can afford to lose only four GOP votes if every member votes for a Speaker candidate.
Despite the uncertainty, McCarthy has started moving into the Speaker’s office in the Capitol that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) moved out of over the holidays.
But there is no name plate, yet, above the entrance to the Speaker’s suite.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3795829-mccarthy-struggles-to-win-support-for-speaker-with-hours-until-floor-showdown/
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