Rep. Tom Emmer frontrunner in new speakership race

St. Cloud, Minn. (KNSI)- Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer (R) is seeking the U.S. House speakership after Ohio’s Jim Jordan’s third attempt failed Friday.

Reporter Jake Sherman at Punch Bowl News tweeted that Emmer has told members of the House Republican Conference that he will seek the nomination for Speaker. Sherman said that if that happens, he’ll immediately become the frontrunner.

There is also a report now that former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R- CA) is endorsing Emmer’s bid.

There are reports that at least seven other Republicans may jump in, but Emmer has the advantage of having run a leadership race before as the House Majority Whip, and “has a base of support.”

Republicans abruptly dropped Rep. Jim Jordan on Friday as their nominee for House speaker, making the decision during a closed-door session after the hard-edged ally of Donald Trump failed badly on a third ballot for the gavel.