'Insanity': Republicans appalled at plan to turn speaker race into Fox News 'circus'

Some Republican members of the House of Representatives are not happy that the leading candidates to become the next House Speaker will be appearing on Fox News next week for what is being described as a "closed debate" hosted by Bret Baier.

CNN's Melanie Zanona now says she's heard from "multiple" House Republicans whom she describes as "infuriated" by the decision to turn the race into a made-for-Fox News spectacle.

"One lawmaker called it 'insanity' and said 'people are pissed,'" Zanona wrote on Twitter. "Another Republican complained that this will turn their speaker’s race into a 'circus.' A third predicted event won't go on as planned because of the pushback it's already getting."

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Indeed, Zanona is reporting that several members have "already communicated those frustrations to the speaker candidates" about the planned Fox News appearance.

The race for a new speaker became necessary this week when Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) filed a motion to vacate the chair that was supported by eight Republicans and all House Democrats.

Candidates for the job so far include Reps. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Steve Scalise (R-LA), and Kevin Hern (R-OK).

So far, however, it is not clear that any of these candidates will be able to lock up enough votes to secure the 218 necessary.