A couple new names entered the race for House Speaker as members voted for a new leader Tuesday afternoon – and they’re not even members of the House of Representatives.
Sen. Rand Paul got a vote for speaker from Republican Rep. Curt Clawson of Florida, and Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper of Tennessee gave his vote to former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
Several ultraconservative Congressmen are mounting a challenge to House Speaker John Boehner’s leadership position. If at least 29 Republicans vote for someone other than Boehner, voting will go to a second round.
No votes yet for Sen. Ted Cruz, who has been accused of usurping House Speaker John Boehner’s power and rallying the most conservative members of the House.
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