Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) inched closer to becoming speaker of the House Friday, as progress on a deal hashing out the rules of the 118th Congress proved enough to flip most of a group of 20 GOP holdouts into his corner.
However, the Bakersfield lawmaker still fell short of the magic number needed to wield the gavel on the 12th and 13th ballots, as a hard core of six so-called “Never Kevins” held firm.
For the first time since balloting began Tuesday, McCarthy received the most votes from the members-elect by getting 213 on his 12th try — still three short of what was required.
Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York received 211. (NY Post)
Yawn. What’s on tv tonight? Pass me the popcorn please