Will Kevin McCarthy allow a government shutdown to head off a conservative mutiny?

McCarthy loyalists — a contingent that remains as strong as ever — say the speaker should tune out the hardliners. “There’s at least 180 of us that will vote for the speaker 15 more times if we’ve got to. said, adding that Republicans “should support Kevin” on a short-term patch to stave off a shutdown. For many ultraconservatives, McCarthy’s decision to accept help from House Democrats — particularly on spending — could be a dealbreaker. And, the lawmaker acknowledged, getting help from Democrats on a funding patch would create “jeopardy” for his speakership.