Shortly after House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) abruptly dropped out of the running for House speaker, Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan (R) was quick to issue a statement clarifying that he was not at all interested in the job:
Kevin McCarthy is best person to lead the House, and so I'm disappointed in this decision. Now it is important that we, as a Conference, take time to deliberate and seek new candidates for the speakership. While I am grateful for the encouragement I've received, I will not be a candidate. I continue to believe I can best serve the country and this conference as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. [Rep. Paul Ryan]
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