Jim Jordan loses ground in second speaker selection – update

TO UPDATE: Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) lost ground in his bid to become speaker of the House, again falling short of a majority in a roll call vote.

22 Republicans voted against him, two more than in Tuesday’s vote.

The final vote total was 199 votes for Jordan and 212 for House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Jordan won over some members who voted against him on Tuesday, but lost others. It is unclear whether he will move on to a third vote. After the final results were announced, the House of Representatives went into recess.

In nominating Jordan, Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) urged Republicans to end the “chaos” of the past two weeks, calling the Ohio congressman an “honorable man.”

It was a contrast with Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA), who on Jan. 6 denounced Jordan’s role and abilities as a lawmaker.

“Besides not passing a bill, he’s never brought a bill to committee,” he said.

He also called on the Republican Party to seek a bipartisan solution. “The country cannot afford more delays and more chaos,” he said.

EARLIER: Given the escalation of the war between Israel and Hamas and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the House of Representatives was prepared to spend another day in disturbing drama.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) sought to secure the speakership in a second primary recall vote, apparently because some other GOPers were willing to offer an alternative: handing the current speakership to Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), additional powers to change laws. This is crucial as President Joe Biden said during his visit to Israel that he would seek an “unprecedented” aid package for the country reeling from Hamas attacks.

In her morning prayer, the House minister referred to the “cacophony of chaos” in the House, reflecting Republican fears that no one seems to be able to get the 217 votes needed to be elected speaker.

The alternative plan, which essentially had McHenry as speaker on an interim basis, received support from two former House leaders: Newt Gingrich and John Boehner. Gingrich even appeared on Fox News Hannity On Tuesday night, he said he suspected Jordan’s support exceeded the 200 votes he received in the first round, which was less than he needed.

“If that happens, we can’t just hope the world waits for House Republicans to get it right,” Gingrich said.

Hannity was a boost for Jordan as his staff sent emails to Republican organizations questioning why they were not rallying behind the Ohio congressman, who has gained attention for his flamethrower tactics and defense of Donald Trump . Other right-wing media figures have also pressured reluctant Republicans, but that tactic appears to have backfired, as one of Jordan’s supporters, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), it stated.

It’s still unclear whether the plan to boost McHenry will draw support from Democrats, whose votes may be needed to make it happen. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had words of praise for McHenry on Tuesday night.