This Is Who the House Freedom Caucus Has Endorsed for Speaker
By Tal Kopan, Deirdre Walsh and Ted Barrett. The House Freedom Caucus, an influential group of conservatives, will back Florida Rep. Daniel Webster for speaker, several lawmakers said following a Wednesday afternoon meeting — a blow to Rep. Kevin McCarthy in his bid for the position.
The decision is a major rebuke to the House leadership under Speaker John Boehner, and McCarthy, the current majority leader looking to win the speaker’s job.
Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, said it took several votes to determine the winner of the endorsement. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, had “some support,” McCarthy had “no support” and Webster had the most support, he said.
Thursday, the Republican conference will vote on who to nominate as their speaker candidate. But that vote only requires a majority — and the crucial hurdle for McCarthy will be whether he can get 218 votes on the floor when the full House votes October 29.
“It’s a healthy debate we’ll have a vote on the floor and in conference tomorrow,” McCarthy said Wednesday. “Just like going through any other primary – (it) will be the power of ideas.” (Read more from “This Is Who the House Freedom Caucus Has Endorsed for Speaker” HERE)
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Right Flexes Muscle Ahead of Speaker Vote
By Scott Wong and Cristina Marcos. The conservative House Freedom Caucus on Wednesday endorsed little-known Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) for Speaker — a bold move that raises serious doubts about whether Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy can cobble together the 218 votes on the House floor he needs to be promoted.
McCarthy, a five-term California Republican, is expected to easily win the nomination when House Republicans huddle at noon Thursday to pick a successor to outgoing Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio).
But the true test will come Oct. 29, when the House holds a public roll call vote to formally elect the next Speaker.
The Freedom Caucus, led by Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), holds enough votes to essentially veto a McCarthy Speakership, though it’s unclear whether all members would cast their ballots the same way.
No one can be elected Speaker unless they win 218 votes. (Read more from this story HERE)
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