At one of the most pivotal times for the House Republican conference, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy is reportedly missing in action.
According to Punchbowl's Jake Sherman, McCarthy wasn't at the caucus meeting Monday evening. Republicans have said that they intend to choose a new speaker on Tuesday, but that election has now been pushed back until Wednesday.
Currently, the two options are Reps. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Steve Scalise (R-LA). One has a troubled history of scandal and a perceived inability to appeal outside of far-red districts and the other brags about being like a former KKK grand wizard - but "without the baggage."
POLL: Should Trump be allowed to run for office?
Sherman's Punchbowl colleague Mica Soellner pointed out, "McCarthy’s absence obviously comes amid a small push by some moderate Republicans encouraging him to run again for speaker."
The New York Times reported Monday that McCarthy floated the possibility he might be open to reclaiming the position. McCarthy previously said that he wasn't running for the post again – and may not run for reelection, though he later backed off reports that he was considering that.
“Now is the time for action,” McCarthy said earlier Monday, adding, “We must be there for our friend Israel.”
Without a speaker, the Congress is effectively at a standstill and Republicans is unable to pass any additional aid to Israel.
Monday night's caucus meeting uncovered two stalwarts for McCarthy, Rep. John Duarte (R-CA) and Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL). Both refused to vote for anyone other than him. If there are four more to join in the group, the GOP is stuck for a second time this year.
