Rep. Ken Buck has stated that he does not believe Steve Scalise will be able to secure the necessary 216 votes. Buck, who would vote for Scalise if he reached that number, expressed doubt about Scalise's ability to get that close. Buck's comments highlight the challenges facing Scalise in his bid for support.
McCarthy on Speaker: "I support Steve Scalise..whoever comes out of that conference, I support him." But McCarthy won't say he voted for on the secret ballot. McCarthy says it seems like "Steve went backwards." Said he didn't think today went well.
Rep. Ken Buck says he is not going to be the last person to vote against Steve Scalise. "If he was at 216 you would vote for him?" Yes, Buck says, while sounding doubtful Scalise will get that close. https://t.co/5zPWHCWm4a
McCarthy on Scalise: Steve's going to have to talk with them all. See what the concerns are. But I'm supporting Steve
McCarthy, leaving Speaker suite, asked how Scalise should handle holdouts (which he also dealt with): “Steve’s going to have to talk to them all, see what the concerns are. But I'm supporting Steve.” Says he has not been involved in the conversations in the Speaker suite.
McCarthy, asked about Scalise’s difficulties getting to 217 votes: “Look, Steve’s going to have to talk to them all, see what the concerns are, but I’m supporting Steve.”