“SO why are the better candidates scared to run for Speaker?”
Good question. I don’t have the answer. Dave Brat would make a stellar Speaker, but is in his first term and therefore would not likely be considered. I think Tom Price would be better than Chaffetz.
A lot of Congressmen can do math. There are only a few dozen conservatives in the House when 124 or so are needed for a majority in the Republican caucus.
I think there are at least 20 House Reps better than Chaffetz.
However none of them want to run. I think they are afraid if McCarthy wins, they would lose plum assignments/committee chairmanships?
So, what I am saying is Chaffetz is better than McCarthy. We should take what we can get, not what is most desirable but impossible.