House Republican Revolt - Day 2

Kevin McCarthy loses 3 more ballots; Byron Donalds of Florida emerges as a new contender with 20 votes

After another historic day in Washington, Kevin McCarthy’s chances at winning the speakership are all but dead in the water, and anything now seems to be possible in the House.

Something historic is happening in the House of Representatives, but the shape of it is still obscured. Some are calling it a meltdown, turmoil, or a rebellion. Whether the 20 “never Kevins” are the leading edge of a new political faction in the House remains to be seen.

Today removed all doubt that the Freedom Caucus will not back down in their revolt against what they view as striking at the heart of mainstream Republicanism and the dysfunction of Washington politics in general.

They also appear to be formally repudiating all ties with the past decade of Republican politics, including Donald Trump; whose calls to give up the rebellion and vote for Kevin McCarthy today were not only unheeded, but openly mocked by Colorado Republican Lauren Boebert. “The president needs to tell Kevin McCarthy that ‘Sir, you do not have the votes and it’s time to withdraw,” Boebert said on Wednesday.

Freshman Florida representative Anna Paulina Luna said today, “D.C. is fundamentally broken. I will stand strong until we get a speaker who will fight for the American people and fix the chaos and corruption in our nation's Capitol. I will continue to stand firm against all forms of pressure.”

Texas representative Chip Roy also touched on the theme of fighting against the “swamp” and “Washington machine.” Today Mr. Roy said, “This country needs leadership that does not reflect this city, this town that is badly broken."

These are just two examples of how these 20 no-voters are doing what they perceive to be necessary to represent their constituencies. Perhaps more details will be revealed in coming days.

The House will reconvene tomorrow at 12 pm E.T.

Whether this new faction of far-right Republicans can build momentum into a new force to be reckoned with, and remains to be seen.

The House will reconvene tomorrow at 12 pm E.T.