House GOP Put McCarthy’s Leadership Spot in Jeopardy Just Before Vote, Urge ‘Radical Departure from the Status Quo’

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy’s quest to become speaker of the House has run into new headwinds as the lower chamber of Congress prepares for a leadership vote on Tuesday. Republicans gained control of the 435-member House in the November elections, with 222 seats. To be elected speaker over Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona — the only other Republican who has publicly said he wants the post — McCarthy needs 218 votes. That means any more than four Republicans opposing him, assuming all Democrats do, could sink his chances for the post. On Sunday, nine Republicans signed a letter saying…