A conservative who observes the Hill closely: “My sense of it right now is that conservatives are kind of holding back, wondering whether this dynamic [a Blunt v. Boehner race] is going to change. The only conservative who would have a chance would be Shadegg. He’s not in now. He’d needs something to happen.”

“Between Boehner and Blunt, the choice for conservatives is Boehner. He’s more ideological than Blunt, although that’s not saying much.”

On whether Blunt has it wrapped up: “I suppose it’s possible. Sometimes these things happen really quickly. I doubt it, though. I’m not very impressed with any of the lists [of supporters of Blunt or Boehner].”