house speaker
Republicans view a long political résumé like "a rap sheet," he said.
He took a lot of people by surprise.
"I will not be a candidate."
WHAT'S HAPPENING
McCarthy was considered the top candidate to be the next speaker.
To officially retire, he'll need his House GOP colleagues to produce something they're not known for -- a quick and orderly decision.
They're getting behind a Florida Republican.
Boehner is resigning his post at the end of the month.
The race for speaker just got a lot more interesting.
He would be a long-shot candidate.