Though Republicans are projected to take the majority back in the House, the “red tidal wave” didn’t happen. As a result, Republicans might think twice about the new Speaker.

Prior to midterm elections, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) appeared to be a lock for the position. But now, the GOP might be seeking new leadership in Congress.

And one of the suggested names is bound to stun right-wing citizens.

With the majority smaller than anticipated, reports are coming in that Democrats are trying to strike a deal with McCarthy in exchange for speaker votes.

Those speaker votes would mean McCarthy has to step aside and let someone else in. The Freedom Caucus is a major consideration in this process as well, as one Democratic lawmaker said:

If he asks, [it could be a possibility]. Either you can be speaker for two years and go cash out on Wall Street or be speaker for three months and get pushed out by the Freedom Caucus.

To avoid that, Democrats are pushing McCarthy to make a deal because without a hefty majority, they say he needs leftist support in the chamber.

And it doesn’t help that many liberal politicians are dead-set against McCarthy, as they accuse him of “downplaying Jan. 6.” That’s why many are reluctant to work with him as Speaker.

And one member floated another name: embattled Republican Liz Cheney (via Washington Examiner):

The member added that there are currently private conversations about ‘voting for [Rep.] Liz [Cheney] and getting a hearty group of both sides to vote for her as a rebuke of Trumpism in a scenario where Kevin couldn’t get the votes.

I would classify them as serious in intent to put forth a principled option with the goal of bringing people together but not serious in that I can’t imagine that getting to 218.’

Cheney was booted from her leadership position this past summer, and has been in the GOP doghouse ever since.

Many voters view her as a traitor and more of a Democrat, and the idea of Cheney as Speaker of the House doesn’t sit well with her critics. It would also be viewed as a win for Democrats.

However, McCarthy spokesman Mark Bednar said the Minority Leader probably wouldn’t seek Democrat votes if he falls shy of the Republican support he needs.

The other stumbling block is current House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who’s likely to lose her gavel in a few weeks.

She would remain the top Democrat in the chamber, though, and she may not support any deal with McCarthy, either. This would make Cheney or some other wild card a longshot for the position.

Even so, the fact that Cheney’s name came up at all might worry lots of Republicans out there.

Key Takeaways:

• Democrats may be trying to make a deal with Republicans for the position of House Speaker.
• Instead of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, they’re quietly talking about options like Liz Cheney.
• The Freedom Caucus and Nancy Pelosi will be stumbling blocks for the GOP moving forward.

Source: Washington Examiner