If all members of the House vote for a candidate for speaker, Kevin McCarthy can only lose four GOP members and still get elected with only Republican votes. Although a deal was offered by McCarthy to his GOP opponents, a GOP leadership source tells Politico there are at least “five ‘hard nos’ against him”:

  • One GOP leadership source told us they believe there are still five “hard nos” against him — Reps. MATT GAETZ (R-Fla.), LAUREN BOEBERT (R-Colo.), ANDY BIGGS (R-Ariz.), BOB GOOD (R-Va.) and MATT ROSENDALE (R-Mont.). Reminder: He can only lose four. . . .
  • McCarthy allies are also worried about freshman Rep. ELI CRANE (R-Ariz.), who we hear has shown no indication of moving.

If at least five Republicans hold firm, McCarthy’s hope is that some of the “Never Kevin” Republicans vote “present” and lower the majority-threshold needed to elect a speaker.