[Dave W]

Don't understand the speculation since Boehner will win the vote by the House next week. There are no other announced candidates, so Boehner will win. No one is going to announce at this point, it would be suicide. There is nothing up in the air. I suppose fantasy is nice if you want to engage in it. I prefer reality.

[JohnBovenmyer]

Announced alternative candidates wouldn’t hurt, but they aren’t necessary. Conservatives can just fail to vote, or vote for Mickey Mouse, etc. If Boehner fails to get 218 votes the process will necessarily re-open and alternative(s) will arise.