(CNN) 鈥� House speaker candidate Tom Emmer, the GOP whip, has moved to lock in support across the ideological and geographic spectrum in the conference, giving him what many House Republicans believe is an advantage heading into a secret-ballot election to nominate their candidate Tuesday, according to Republican sources.
But it鈥檚 hard to assess his chances fully since it鈥檚 a crowded field, with at least seven candidates working the phones all weekend to win a majority of support within the conference.
Even if Emmer were to win the nomination, Republican sources are uncertain he can get 217 votes on the floor, as he could face resistance from members of the hardline House Freedom Caucus skeptical of the GOP leadership team.
House Republicans for a new GOP speaker nominee after Rep. Jim Jordan on Friday became the latest exit from the race. The chamber has been without a speaker for more than two weeks after this month.
Emmer, of Minnesota, said in a letter to colleagues Saturday that he was seeking the speakership with the goal of delivering 鈥渉istoric change.鈥� McCarthy has endorsed Emmer for speaker, delivering an early boost for his candidacy.
McCarthy on Sunday urged his House colleagues to elect Emmer but stopped short of ruling out another speakership run himself.
鈥淗e鈥檚 been in the room with all of our successes,鈥� the California Republican said of Emmer. 鈥淗e sets himself head and shoulders above all those others who want to run.
鈥淭his is not a time for a learning experience as speaker. Tom would be able to walk into the job and do it on Day 1,鈥� McCarthy said on NBC鈥檚 鈥淢eet the Press.鈥�
McCarthy once again demurred when asked about returning to wield the gavel.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 need the title. I鈥檓 going to help in any way I can,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 supporting Tom Emmer, but I鈥檓 going to tell you, I鈥檓 still a member of Congress, and I鈥檓 going to lead in any capacity I can to help to protect America.鈥�
The-CNN-Wire
™ & 漏 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
