newsRepublican sources say there are early discussions about a floor strategy if McCarthy falls short of the 218 votes needed to secure the speakership by TheWorldsNewsDecember 9, 2022 Share0 As a right-wing faction threatens to tank his speakership ambitions, House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy delivered a promise: “I’ll never leave,” making clear he has no plans to drop out of the race even if the fight goes to many ballots on the floor.