What The 20 Republicans Who Voted Against Kevin McCarthy Have In Common
FiveThirtyEightDec 26, 2022
The Facts
After three failed votes to elect a speaker on Tuesday, the US House of Representatives resumed on Wednesday three additional rounds that didn't yield victory for Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
McCarthy needs 218 votes to become House Speaker. Republicans hold a slim House majority with 222 members, and defectors from the GOP’s conservative wing have denied McCarthy the speakership as all 212 Democrats voted for Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
The Spin
Conservative narrative
While the GOP establishment wants members to just get in line for Kevin McCarthy, principled conservatives must take the lead and not allow McCarthy to become Speaker of the House. He has no conviction and will do whatever his wealthy donors ask of him. A Republican majority isn’t a victory if no meaningful change comes along with it, and McCarthy is the status quo politician.
Republican narrative
Enough is enough. All Republicans must now unite behind Kevin McCarthy and allow the newly-elected GOP majority to start governing instead of grandstanding. Some congressional Republicans are playing with fire and should learn to compromise for the better of the nation.
