It now seems possible that Kevin McCarthy, who has sought the Speakership of the House of Representatives for years, may yet be unable to attain it.
With a 222-213 House in favor of Republicans, McCarthy cannot afford to lose more than four members of his party, and the “Freedom Caucus” right wingers have at least five members who have indicated they will not support McCarthy for the Speakership.
So the 213 Democrats could combine with four or more moderate Republicans in the House of Representatives and elect someone else, with soon to be former Congresswoman Liz Cheney of Wyoming being a likely choice, and others suggesting former Independent Justin Amash of Michigan being also bandied about as a possible choice, as a non partisan Speaker.
The Speakership does not have to be held by a sitting member of the chamber, although that has always been the case.
So interesting times are ahead over the next five and a half weeks!