U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) said House Republicans are in a "holding pattern" after U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) failed to get enough votes in the House Speaker race for a second time.
Jordan fell short of the minimum 217 needed to claim the House Speaker spot by 22 Republican votes, two less than he had yesterday on the first ballot. House Minority Leader Jim Jeffries (D-N.Y.) received 212 votes, all Democrats.
Following the second vote, Aderholt told 1819 News he was unsure if they would hold a third vote Wednesday or convene the caucus to discuss the ramifications of Jordan's apparent loss of momentum. Either way, Aderholt said he would continue to support Jordan.
"I supported Jim Jordan yesterday and again today. I told him that I would be with him," Aderholt said Wednesday. "I think he is a conservative — I know he's a conservative, and I think he is someone that can potentially bring everybody together. I'm strong on my support for him unless he decides otherwise that he cannot get the votes."
Fearing another drawn-out speaker race, some Republicans have suggested giving acting Speaker Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) more temporary powers to allow the House to get some work done in the meantime.
"I don't think Republicans will be in lockstep on that," Aderholt said. "You may have some Republicans that are. The only way I can see that happening is by forming a coalition with Democrats. That would not be a good idea."
The next round of voting may take place sometime Thursday, Fox News reported.
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