The big story to watch in politics today will be the election of a new GOP House Speaker.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mccarthy-short-of-votes-as-house-speaker-contest-enters-final-hours

On the eve of the vote, Rep. Kevin McCarthy is still reportedly several votes shy, with some conservatives digging in their heels and refusing to back him. They want someone whom they believe will have more steel in his spine when it comes to conservative principles, like Rep. Jim Jordan (who reportedly isn’t interested in the job because he wants to be Chairman of the Judiciary Committee.)

The danger in this is that it could lead to a “compromise” candidate or deal that attracts Democrat votes and gives the left even more sway. That’s not likely to happen, but as I’ve written before, as much as I sympathize with the conservative faction, if they don’t have a candidate who can win, then they have to recognize what’s possible and not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

Redstate.com has a timeline of what will be happening today, along with some predictions, history and possible dark horses and black swans that might make an appearance.

https://redstate.com/terichristoph/2023/01/02/buckle-up-everybody-heres-how-tomorrows-speaker-vote-will-go-down-n682542

And just to remind everyone that anybody the Republicans put in charge will be exponentially better than having the Democrats in charge, here’s an entertaining write-up from Bonchie at Redstate.com about noted election denier and House Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries. He just made a statement that sounds an awful lot like what the Democrats call “insurrection” when it comes from anyone other than them.

https://redstate.com/bonchie/2023/01/02/hakeem-jeffries-makes-a-very-insurrection-like-call-to-retake-the-house-immediately-n682581