McCarthy On Track To Lose Fifth Speaker Ballot

Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is on track to lose a fifth consecutive vote for Speaker of the House of Representatives.

• Manu Raju at CNN tweets: "[Rep] Ken Buck [R-CO], who has voted for McCarthy, told me “at some point,” he needs to step aside and let Scalise run. “What I've asked is that if Kevin can't get there, that he step aside and give Steve a chance to do it.” But he acknowledged Scalise probably doesn’t have the votes either."
• The next steps for McCarthy are uncertain. Opposition to his bid appears firmly entrenched. He may chose to pursue multiple votes but McCarthy allies are likely to suggest a search for a unity nominee if the stalemate continues.
• Raju reports that the GOP sought an adjournment but were blocked by Democrats and the Republican rebels.
• Both an adjournment and shift in voting dynamic appear off the table unless McCarthy steps aside or proposes additional concessions but it is unclear if additional concessions will flip the votes of rebels who have a strong personal grievance with McCarthy.