Republicans Are Reportedly So ‘Desperate,’ McCarthy Is Floating Himself as Speaker With Jim Jordan as His Lieutenant

AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is suggesting a plan in which he would return to the speaker’s chair with Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) serving as assistant speaker, according to NBC News.

McCarthy was ousted from his post three weeks ago. Since then, the House Republican conference has nominated three replacements – including Jordan. All withdrew their candidacies after they were unable to secure the votes needed to win.

According to NBC News reporters Ali Vitali and Scott Wong, the situation in the GOP conference is dire:

Asked why this idea — which lacks key details like how it would be enacted and if it could even gain enough traction to happen — was being floated now, one GOP lawmaker replied: “We’re desperate.”

The reporters further added that McCarthy was “melting down” during conference meetings on Tuesday.

“This isn’t how you elect a speaker!” McCarthy boomed, according to one lawmaker.

Republicans nominated Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Jordan, and Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), only to have each flame out. Jordan is the only candidate the House voted on, as Scalise and Emmer withdrew their bids after it became clear they lacked the votes needed. Jordan was rejected by the House three times before he was summarily canned as the nominee by a secret ballot vote of the GOP conference.

NBC News stated that a spokesperson for McCarthy declined to comment on the matter.