Boehner
Early in the day, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy announced that he has withdrawn his name from consideration to replace Speaker John Boehner (pictured). Mark Wilson/Getty Images

After House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., abruptly dropped out of the race for speaker Thursday, current House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, asked Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan to run for his position, the Washington Post's Robert Costa tweeted.

Earlier in the day, Ryan had said he would not be running for speaker, as he has vowed often before, despite other Republicans urging him to do so. Ryan is currently chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, one of the most powerful in Congress. After McCarthy dropped out, Reps. Jason Chaffetz of Utah and Daniel Webster of Florida remain in the race.

Costa also tweeted that McCarthy is saying "behind scenes" that Ryan is his pick for speaker.

Fox News contributor Guy Benson also tweeted that Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina, who is chairman of the special committee investigating the Benghazi affair, is urging Ryan to reconsider.

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