McCarthy picks up some Republican support in US Speaker bid, still fails

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - A fourth day of voting to elect a new Speaker of the US House of Representatives opened in the same manner as the three preceding days concluded: in defeat for Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy.

Despite making inroads with some opponents, McCarthy continues to face stalwart opposition from insurgent members of his caucus who are dead-set on ensuring he does not attain the Speaker's gavel.

McCarthy's most die-hard Republican detractors remain adamant in their refusal after they blocked him from accomplishing his bid in the 12th round of voting.

A thirteenth round is now in the offing with McCarthy and his opponents firmly entrenched in their positions.

Representative Matt Gaetz, who has worked to marshall opposition to McCarthy, was unequivocal in his repudiation, saying as he nominated Representative Jim Jordan that the longtime senior Republican is solely driven by "personal ambition" in his effort to become the next Speaker.

"There is insufficient trust in Kevin McCarthy," said Gaetz as several of his fellow Republicans exited the chamber. "We do not trust Mr. McCarthy with power because we know who he will use it for. And we are concerned it will not be for the American people."

The staunch repudiation comes after days of backroom dealing, overtures and concession from McCarthy to his holdouts have not moved the vote in any meaningful manner, though the number of opponents dipped, but not enough to change the endgame.

Friday's first round saw McCarthy gain the support of 214 member of his caucus. He remains without the support of seven members of his caucus, three more than he can afford to lose if he is to gain a majority of the House's 435-member caucus.

The historic impasse crossed a major milestone on Thursday when a ninth round of voting failed to elect a new Speaker, the first time the threshold had been surprassed since the mid-1800's during the thick of the US Civil War.

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries gain the support of 211 of the chamber's Democrats in stark contrast to the mayhem across the aisle.