03
Jan
WASHINGTON — A week-long standoff between Republican leader Kevin McCarthy and his conservative detractors came to a head Tuesday when lawmakers voted for a new House speaker.Voting is in progress.A small group of far-right members close to former President Donald Trump have vowed to stand together in denying McCarthy of California the speaker's gavel. Because the new 222-212 Republican majority is so slim, just five Republican lawmakers could prevent him from getting the 218 votes he needs to win in the first round. That would send the process to multiple votes, and almost certain chaos on the floor.The last time…