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Conservatives – many of them members of the House Freedom Caucus – said they’re already preparing for the vote to replace Boehner.
“He has a long record of distinguished service but it's time for new leadership,” said Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-Kan.). “Conservatives will be working together, it's not going to be one or two of us, we're going to make a deal.”
Boehner's decision, relayed in a closed Republican meeting Friday morning, will indeed set off one of the most intense leadership scrambles in modern Congressional GOP politics. Second in line is House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who is widely expected to serve as the next speaker. But there is serious unrest in the House Republican ranks, as a small clutch of conservatives have continuously clashed with establishment Republicans. It takes 218 votes on the House floor to win the speakership, and many GOP insiders believe that McCarthy is the only person who could cobble together a coalition to win.
Should McCarthy win, it will set off an intense battle for majority leader. ...
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The posturing within GOP ranks has been going on for weeks. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) has been laying the groundwork for that battle, but so has House Republican Conference Chairman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.). Chief Deputy Whip Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) will be favored for House Republican whip.
There are wildcards, however. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Ill.), who has recently gained favor with the conservative right, is expected to eye a slot.
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