WASHINGTON — Kevin McCarthy began expanding his support as the 12th speaker vote got underway, gaining some key votes including Freedom Caucus Chair Scott Perry and influential conservative Chip Roy.
“Watch here and you will see some people who have been voting against me voting for me,” the embattled California Republican said just before the vote.
After four days of gridlock, the tide was finally starting to turn in favor of McCarthy who has made multiple concessions to hardliners within his party to win their votes. Eleven have flipped so far with voting ongoing but he needs several backers to gain a majority of members present.
