By Robert Laurie ——Bio and Archives--October 8, 2015
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Per one GOP rep, McCarthy tells conference he's "not the right guy" and they "need a new face." — Eliana Johnson (@elianayjohnson) October 8, 2015McCarthy had yet to secure all 218 votes needed to take the Speakership, but doing so was hardly considered an impossible task. Just yesterday he was endorsed by former Vice President Dick Cheney, and it appeared that he was on a fast track for confirmation. His departure has left a gaping hole as far as a "Boehner-preferred" candidate is concerned. As a result, the outgoing Speaker has postponed the vote on his replacement.
McCarthy got up in front of the room, said he's not right person to lead the conference & quit. Boehner then said the election is postponed — Daniel Newhauser (@dnewhauser) October 8, 2015The move is particularly stunning since those in the know were all but assured that McCarthy was a lock.
I was told yesterday by McC pal that he was confident of his support -- not only that he had majority of GOP votes but possibly 218. — Eliana Johnson (@elianayjohnson) October 8, 2015This may have something to do with McCarthy's comments about the Benghazi committee but, frankly, it seems more likely that there's something else going on behind the scenes. If McCarthy was a lock yesterday, but walking away today, something must have changed. Whatever the reason, Boehner - and the party elites - are now faced with a difficult dilemma: Find a new "insider" to play ball, or allow one of their conservative detractors to take the job. We'll let you know when a new frontrunner emerges but, for now, the unexpected news of McCarthy's withdrawal has placed the entire process in a holding pattern.
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