The Search Continues For A New House Speaker

05:32

October 19, 2015

On Oct. 7, 2015, outgoing House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio listens as House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California, speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, Freedom Caucus Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio said his group would “look favorably” on U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan if he runs for speaker, but for now the group is sticking with its endorsement of Florida’s Rep. Daniel Webster. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo)

Now back in session, the House of Representatives continues to search for a new speaker. At the beginning of the month, House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, the favorite to replace current speaker John Boehner, unexpectedly dropped out of the race on the day of the Republican vote.

Now, Republicans are pressuring the reluctant Ways and Means Committee Chairman Paul Ryan to run for the nomination and unite the party, but Republican hardliners fear that Ryan is too liberal. NPR’s Domenico Montanaro joins Here & Now’s Jeremy Hobson to map the political drama the Republicans are facing in the House.

Guest

Domenico Montenaro, lead editor for politics and digital audience for NPR. He tweets @DomenicoNPR.

This segment aired on October 19, 2015.