(PartiallyPolitics.com) Republicans are still struggling to decide who will be the next House Speaker in the 118th session of Congress. However, as Rep-elect. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., is claiming to be closer to winning the Speakership some members are wondering whether their opposition to McCarthy could lead to retribution.
Rep.-elect Byron Donalds, R-Fla., who has even received some of the votes against McCarthy during dour of the six votes, has said that he is not worried about potential retribution.
Donalds said, “I’m 6’2″ 275 [pounds], I am not worried about that,” when asked about fear of retribution by NBC News Capitol Hill Correspondent Ryan Nobles. Donalds had initially backed McCarthy in the first two votes, but after McCarthy failed to secure the 218 votes needed on Tuesday, Donalds switched sides and stopped supporting McCarthy.
In a tweet Donalds said that the clear reality is that Rep. Kevin McCarthy does not have the required votes in order to become the Speaker. He added that at first he had been committed to supporting McCarthy but as it became clearer that he would not have the 218 votes required, the GOP conference decided that it is important to find someone who would work and would gain the support needed.
Donalds was the 20th Republican to vote for Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, instead of McCarthy. However, Jordan has repeatedly said that he is not interested in the speakership and that he is endorsing McCarthy for the position. This is the first time since 1923 when the House has failed to elect a Speaker in the first ballot.
Donalds said that the continuous votes are not helping and that in time there will be a Republican speaker but right now things are messy.
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