Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Wednesday Photo: nathan howard/ReutersAfter three weeks of pointless but embarrassing intrigue, House Republicans finally hit on a consensus nominee for Speaker. Congratulations to 51-year-old Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson , who with a 220-209 vote Wednesday won the unenviable job of herding the cats, snakes and peacocks in the GOP menagerie. The question is whether the Republican malcontents will let him govern in a way they refused his deposed predecessor, Kevin McCarthy. Government funding expires Nov. 17, and America’s friends in Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan need military help to defend themselves.

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Persons: Mike Johnson, nathan howard, Republican malcontents, Kevin McCarthy Organizations: Reuters, Republicans, Louisiana Rep, Wednesday, GOP, Republican Locations: Louisiana, Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan