The latest head-count shows House Republicans may be within 15 votes of making the first step toward dethroning Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, by forcing a second ballot.
The effort by GOP House members to oust Boehner is gaining momentum, but most of the action on Capitol Hill Monday is obscured from view, with the cajoling and arm-twisting for votes taking place behind closed doors.
Even many of the most conservative Republicans who would be the most likely to vote against Boehner are playing it close to the vest, because, if the speaker survives the coup, he could retaliate by stripping lawmakers of prized committee assignments and chairmanships.
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