'McCarthy through surrogates' is working to cripple Scalise’s bid for Speaker: report

As several Republican United States Representatives seek to be chosen as recently ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy's (R-CA) replacement, a group of GOP House members remain in the ex-Speaker's corner, according to an exclusive Axios report.

Per Axios, three lawmakers told the news outlet that some of McCarthy's allies are conspiring against Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) as he vies to fill the vacancy.

Staunch McCarthy ally U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) "took a thinly veiled swipe at Scalise on Wednesday, telling reporters: 'I think this whole narrative about every member of the existing leadership taking one step up is bulls–t,'" according to the report.

Axios notes, "Scalise and McCarthy have long been viewed as rivals, with tensions spilling over into public eye on multiple occasions in recent years. Sources told Axios it's 'not surprising' McCarthy would not look to assist Scalise in obtaining the gavel."

The lawmakers tell the news outlet that the GOP members against Scalise are backing U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan's (R-OH) bid for speakership.

A top House member emphasized, "It's definitely true that McCarthy through surrogates is calling members to support Jordan."

However, according to the report, a McCarthy spokesman denied there was a push against Scalise, telling Axios: "No one has been making calls."