A Standoff for Speaker

Punchbowl News: “Neither current candidate to succeed McCarthy — Jordan or Scalise — has a clear lead in endorsements. Neither has shown a ton of momentum up to this point. While unquestionably liked and respected by their Republican colleagues — even admired — there are lots of questions lingering about both men. These range from their ability to raise the big sums needed in modern-day House politics to the likelihood that either can unify the Republican Conference’s bitterly warring factions.”

“Jordan got what could prove to be a major boost on Thursday night when former President Donald Trump endorsed him. Yet even a Trump endorsement — with all that it carries — may not get Jordan to 218.”

“Based on our conversations with lawmakers, aides, backers of Scalise and Jordan and uncommitted House Republicans, it seems highly unlikely that a speaker will be chosen and approved on the House floor by next week.”

Playbook: “Most of the late-night discussions we had across the GOP conference were about whether the Trump endorsement — and Jordan’s larger outside strategy — helps, has no effect, or actually hurts him.”