So does this end up with Boehner staying and the attacks on him muted because no Republican can get to 218? What a stale Cheeto outcome.
Only if Republicans continue to accept the rigged game offered by GOP leadership, meaning only calling for the election when the result is known beforehand.
Usually, this caucus vote would continue multiple times with various slates of contenders, as repeated voting draws out the consensus thinking of the body. If neither remaining candidate can get a majority, then new candidates will step up as factions combine and split with each iteration, until a consensus candidate emerges.
At least, that's how it used to be done before careerists took over and made every vote a scripted, pre-determined outcome that shred only to protect their own interests.
-PJ
These guys are incredibly crafty when they are after something important to them.
Planned Parenthood slaughtering babies? - “Sorry we tried as best we could. Now excuse us while we work with the Dems to pass a budget.”
Speakership up for grabs? - They use every parliamentary trick and backroom arm twisting deal to make sure it turns out how they want.