The Gaetz of Republican Hell

The eight House Republicans who ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy two weeks ago are getting exactly what they expected, whether they knew it or not. The instigator, the representative from Florida. Matt Gaetz, thinks a better president would be Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan. But on Friday, Mr. Jordan lost another vote, making it three this week, first with 20 defections, then 22 and finally 25.

Some Jordan dissidents are still angry about the lousy treatment of Mr. McCarthy and the conference’s second choice, Rep. Steve Scalise. Others seem to believe that Mr. Jordan is too much of a firebrand to serve as party leader. The no vote on Friday included half of the Republicans in districts carried by President Biden in 2020. Mr. Jordan lost ground despite some notable sausage-making attempts.