CNN has a breathless
report: "Paul Ryan considering running for House speaker." It's based on a few interviews with people who say they've had private conversations with Ryan and that he's "looking at it" and "thinking" and "praying" on it. But from the horse's (or the horse's spokesman's) mouth:
It looks as though it's back to the drawing board for John Boehner, who, CNN also
reports, "still wants to 'be out of here by the end of the month.'" That's according to Rep. Dennis Ross (FL) who also says that Boehner urged members to "hang in there." Gee,
can't imagine why Boehner wants out so badly.
House conservatives accused Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) Friday of acting like a dictator by delaying the election for his successor because his favored candidate, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), suddenly dropped out of the race.
After Friday’s meeting, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) was also furious at Boehner, saying the Speaker "called off the election because he didn't like the result."
That also tells you why Ryan wants nothing to do with trying to lead these people. But just in case he's seriously considering it, the
campaign against him is heating up in the extremist media. Since Boehner is the devil, and Ryan is his chosen one, the idea that the hardliners would be willing to accept him is very much wishful thinking.