Rep. Kevin McCarthy lost a seventh straight vote for a new speaker of the House of Representatives on Jan. 5, but the back-room bargaining continues between the California Republican and populist conservative dissidents demanding new leadership. As occurred on the six previous counts on Jan. 3 and Jan. 4, Democratic leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of…

Rep. Kevin McCarthy lost a tenth straight vote for a new speaker of the House of Representatives on Jan. 5, but the back-room bargaining continues between the California Republican and populist conservative dissidents demanding new leadership. As occurred on the nine previous counts on Jan. 3 and Jan. 4, Democratic leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of…

Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) claimed “good progress” late on Jan. 5 in his long-running, often fractious negotiations with dissident populist conservatives who oppose his bid to be speaker of the House. Leaving the negotiating room in the Capitol, McCarthy told reporters that he thinks “it’s probably best that people keep working tonight. I don’t think…

Rep. Kevin McCarthy lost an 11th straight vote late Thursday in his bid to become the new speaker of the House of Representatives, but his team’s intensive back-room bargaining appeared to be closing in on a deal with many of the populist conservatives who are demanding new leadership in Congress. As occurred in the 10 previous…