WASHINGTON — Even before Republicans take control of the House in January, their narrow majority is exposing the long-standing rift between the party's right-flank Freedom Caucus and its dwindling center-right.
It's a struggle that not only threatens to derail House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy's bid to become the next speaker but also will shape how the GOP exerts its new authority over the next two years.
On one side are some vocal members of the influential Freedom Caucus who say McCarthy is not conservative enough to lead them. Many advocate using their House majority primarily to investigate Democrats and advance legislation that will appeal to conservative voters, even if it stands no chance of becoming law under a Democratic-led Senate.
