You are wrong.
House in 2015 R 234 D 201 Total 435.
The Speaker needs to get 218, assuming all voted. 218 is a majority in 435.
Now assume 35 Rs vote present, all others vote Bonehead, all Ds vote Pelosi. The total voted is now 400, and 201 is a majority. Pelosi wins.
Instead of Present, they need to vote for an adult US Citizen. Doesn't matter who.
Glad I scrolled down...GG, Yer all wrong headed.
Thanks much, FatherofFive.....
DEMs are at 188 in new House, not 201.