House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is facing a new twist in his effort to become House speaker in the new term.
Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) has noted the idea of some Democrats supporting McCarthy’s bid in exchange for his help in other areas.
BREAKING: dems float the idea of nominating LIZ CHENEY for SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE if the GOP takes a majority in the house. https://t.co/jWYrXbRe10
— Mueller, She Wrote (@MuellerSheWrote) November 11, 2022
Cut a deal?
“Just cut a deal with the Dems Kevin. Whatever you get from Freedom Caucus will not be worth it,” Gallego tweeted on Wednesday.
“The odds will be good but the goods will be odd,” he added.
Just cut a deal with the Dems Kevin. Whatever you get from Freedom Caucus will not be worth it. The odds will be good but the goods will be odd. https://t.co/CZDWY1yyfO
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) November 10, 2022
Is it worth it?
“If he asks, [it could be a possibility]. Either you can be speaker for two years and go cash out on Wall Street or be speaker for three months and get pushed out by the Freedom Caucus,” one lawmaker told the Washington Examiner.
“Won’t know that until the dust settles, the margin is determined, and how badly McCarthy needs some Dem support. Anything is possible,” another member said. “Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, not in speakership races.”
The idea is workable, but neither McCarthy nor Democrats may be willing to work to make it happen.
A much better option as Speaker of the house.
Steve Scalise announces bid for House majority leader, pledges to ‘hold the Biden administration accountable’https://t.co/b8eB5uzg4q
— 🇺🇸🇮🇱Master Gunz USMC Retired 🇺🇸🇮🇱🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@devildoge9) November 10, 2022
Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise (R) has also announced his bid to become the speaker, pledging to hold the Biden administration accountable.
As the House Minority Whip, Scalise holds strong standing among GOP leaders and could win out if enough fellow members will reject McCarthy.
The final outcome is unclear, but there will certainly be more controversy than expected to determine the next Speaker of the House.