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GOP leader Kevin McCarthy visits Washington to help Joe Kent

caption: U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., talks to the media at DMI Companies in Monongahela, Pa., Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. McCarthy Tuesday became the first House Speaker ever ousted from the post after a revolt from far-right Republicans.
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U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., talks to the media at DMI Companies in Monongahela, Pa., Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. McCarthy Tuesday became the first House Speaker ever ousted from the post after a revolt from far-right Republicans.
AP Photo/Barry Reeger

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy quietly visited southwest Washington earlier this week to raise money for a former political foe: Congressional candidate Joe Kent.

Kent has recently been outspent by his Democratic opponent, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.

McCarthy visited the area on Monday. Aside from his stature nationally, McCarthy's visit is notable for another reason — he and Kent had been at odds.

Kent has denounced mainstream Republicans at every step of his campaign, and has said he would not vote for McCarthy to be the next Speaker of the House if Republicans win a majority.

But Kent has softened his stance on McCarthy lately, and he's relatively short on cash.

In this final month, Kent has spent about $400,000. His opponent, Gluesenkamp Perez, has spent $1.5 million.

Still, political pollsters say Kent is favored to win next Tuesday.

McCarthy also threw nearly $200,000 directly in support of Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, before Kent edged her out in the primaries.

Read the full story at Oregon Public Broadcasting.

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