GENERAL NEWS

House Speaker vote postponed after frontrunner Kevin McCarthy drops out

Oct 8, 2015, 9:39 AM | Updated: 9:42 am

(AP Photo)...

(AP Photo)

(AP Photo)

In a startling move, House Speaker frontrunner Kevin McCarthy of California dropped out of the race Thursday, forcing a postponement of the nomination vote.

The Republican Conference’s nominee later this month. That person will need to secure the support of about 218 of the 247 Republicans to officially win the speakership.

Thursday’s secret ballot would have only required only 125 votes. McCarthy reportedly had enough votes for that, but not for the full vote.

Little-know Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) earned the surprise backing of the House Freedom Caucus the day before the vote, according to the political blog The Hill.

But no surprise was bigger than Boehner’s resignation on Sept. 25.

Although the membership had grown increasingly displeased with Boehner’s stewardship in his five years, the move caught Washington off guard.

Boehner said he had been thinking about it the previous night and the next morning, “… I woke up and I said my prayers — as I always do — and I decided today’s the day I’m going to do this. As simple as that.”

Another contender for the speakership nomination was been Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah. He told Politico he knew what he was getting into chasing after the stressful job.

“This is not a blissful life — I take plenty of arrows … Go ahead and fire at me.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

General News

southern Arizona rancher George Alan Kelly...

Associated Press

Trial of a southern Arizona rancher charged in fatal shooting of unarmed migrant goes to the jury

Closing arguments were made against a southern Arizona rancher accused of shooting an undocumented migrant on his land to death on Thursday.

13 hours ago

Donald Trump's hush money trial: 12 jurors selected...

Associated Press

Although 12 jurors were picked for Donald Trump’s hush money trial, selection of alternates is ongoing

A jury of 12 people was seated Thursday in former President Donald Trump's hush money trial. The proceedings are close to opening statements.

15 hours ago

A anti-abortion supporter stands outside the House chamber, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Capit...

Associated Press

Democrats clear path to bring proposed repeal of Arizona’s near-total abortion ban to a vote

Democrats in the Arizona Senate cleared a path to bring a proposed repeal of the state’s near-total ban on abortions to a vote.

2 days ago

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas arrives to testify before a Senate subcommittee o...

Associated Press

Senate dismisses two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security secretary, ends trial

The Senate dismissed impeachment charges against Alejandro Mayorkas, ending House Republicans' bid to remove the Homeland Security secretary.

2 days ago

Donald Trump talks to reporters as he leaves court on the second day of his criminal trial on April...

Associated Press

7 jurors chosen, 11 more needed for Donald Trump’s criminal trial over hush money

The first seven jurors for Donald Trump's hush money trial were seated Tuesday after lawyers grilled the jury pool.

2 days ago

Jordan Rasmussen 
pictured on July 23, 1973, the day his first child, David, was born. Jordan was m...

Amy Donaldson/KSL Podcasts

The Letter podcast debuts second season on 1982 murders

The Letter podcast rolls out its unexpected second season Tuesday, highlighting generational questions about trauma and forgiveness stemming from the 1982 murders of two young fathers.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

...

DESERT INSTITUTE FOR SPINE CARE

Desert Institute for Spine Care is the place for weekend warriors to fix their back pain

Spring has sprung and nothing is better than March in Arizona. The temperatures are perfect and with the beautiful weather, Arizona has become a hotbed for hikers, runners, golfers, pickleball players and all types of weekend warriors.

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Here’s 1 way to ensure your family is drinking safe water

Water is maybe one of the most important resources in our lives, and especially if you have kids, you want them to have access to safe water.

(KTAR News Graphic)...

Boys & Girls Clubs

KTAR launches online holiday auction benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

KTAR is teaming up with The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley for a holiday auction benefitting thousands of Valley kids.

House Speaker vote postponed after frontrunner Kevin McCarthy drops out