Traditionally, Speaker candidates don’t vote for Speaker. Pelosi broke with tradition, as usual.
The tradition was both answered “present” rather than not voting at all.
I notice now Boehner has not voted since 2007 when he mimed Nancy and voted for himself. I guess he doesn’t like voting present.
Hastert always voted present as did Gephardt, Foley, and Michel (they have the votes going back to 1991 as I’m sure you know). Newt did so in 1995 but did not vote at all in 1997 (maybe he was hiding).
It seems crass but I would probably vote for myself like Pelosi if I were the party candidate. Maybe even if I were a regular member this year, as a joke.
With all the egos it’s almost surprising no one did.