Titters and whispers filled the chamber throughout the attempt, as they have in every speaker’s vote this year. The 118th Congress began in January with 15 roll call votes before McCarthy managed to secure a majority.

Almost any time a member on any side used their vote as an opening to give a little speech Tuesday, it led to groans from the other side. When Maxine Waters of California said, “Mr. Speaker, I vote for Hakeem Jeffries versus an insurrectionist,” someone on the GOP side responded loudly with, “Oh, come on!”

But the partisan excitement flagged as it became apparent that the House’s leadership crisis would continue without an immediate end in sight. By the time Pennsylvania Democrat Susan Wild, the ninth from last member, prefaced her vote for Jeffries with “to save our democracy,” barely anyone responded.

[No one fundraised on the floor this time? What a missed opportunity. Still no word on next steps from Jordan & Co, but rumors that -21 could be his high-water mark are floating around. The longer this drags, the more support Jordan might lose. Two days ago, 55 Republicans cast ballots to say they would not back Jordan on the floor. More than half of those changed their minds before the first ballot, but if Jordan’s not closing the deal, they may not stick around. — Ed]