Spencer’s blood pressure has probably spiked through the roof because after a 14th ballot—Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) failed to secure the votes for the House speaker. It was a preview of how this speakership might operate since McCarthy once again bungled the vote count. He and his team cruised onto the House floor thinking they had this thing locked up—and they didn’t.
We'll be going to a 15th ballot... pic.twitter.com/WiTz5eQJEd
— Triggered Podcast (@TriggeredTHM) January 7, 2023
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) voted present, but Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) was among the last to cast his vote. He also was a 'present' vote, which wasn’t enough for McCarthy to win. He apparently wasn’t in the chamber when his name was initially called. When McCarthy knew he was one shy of the gavel, he confronted Gaetz, which got even more heated when Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) walked up to the Florida Republican, having to be physically dragged away. The California Republican needed Gaetz's support or one more person to vote 'present.'
The moment pic.twitter.com/xHjSec8hJE
— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) January 7, 2023
As the House was voting on the motion to adjourn until Monday at noon, some discussion between Gaetz and McCarthy’s allies must have been productive because a slew of House Republicans rushed to change their vote. It became clear that McCarthy might have the votes this time when smiles were seen among a host of GOP House members, with Gaetz receiving multiple handshakes and fist bumps from his colleagues. He reportedly was heard declaring his support behind McCarthy. The motion to adjourn was defeated since 40 some Republicans voted 'nay,' which set the stage for this 15th ballot.
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Gaetz says “Let’s vote again, I’ll vote for you now” on the floor.
— Juliegrace Brufke (@juliegraceb) January 7, 2023
Multiple R sources telling me that Gaetz has agreed to vote for McCarthy ...
— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) January 7, 2023
Gaetz getting a hug from Trent Kelly
— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) January 7, 2023
We're told Gaetz has relented to KM
— Sarah Ferris (@sarahnferris) January 7, 2023
One sign of lack of trust:
Rep. John Carter tells me: "I'll believe that when I see it." https://t.co/4b1IFYdRbO
UPDATE: Gaetz voted 'present' again but was willing to change his vote if necessary.
Another source tells me the deal was for a yes if needed, but others voted present, meaning that didn't have to happen
— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) January 7, 2023
BOB GOOD votes PRESENT
— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) January 7, 2023
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