John Boehner, Ohio. Currently the chairman of the House Education & the Workforce Committee and formerly the House Republican Conference Chairman (defeated by J.C. Watts). Boehner has been in the leadership before and has a conservative voting record. He comes in with the support of a united Ohio delegation and probably the support of more senior Republicans and committee chairman. Although he has a conservative voting record, he will be able to pick up significant moderate support thanks to his easy going, non-confrontational style.
Roy Blunt, Missouri. The Majority Whip and acting-Majority Leader was picked out of no where in his second term to be Chief Deputy Whip to then-Whip Tom DeLay. When DeLay was elected Majority Leader, Blunt easily moved into the Whip job. Sometimes referred to as the “Velvet Hammer” due to his smoother style. Blunt doesn’t have a big state delegation but as Whip has 30-40 members that work with him regularly and will form the base of his support. Those members that want continuity in the leadership will also go with Blunt.
Mike Pence, Indiana. No word yet on if Pence will seek the spot though many hope he will. As chairman of the Republican Study Committee, Pence has led the 110-member conservative caucus more effectively than any chairman in recent years. Many conservatives, tired of being rolled by the leadership are anxious to have one of their leading the Conference.
John Shadegg, Arizona. One of the “old bulls” of the RSC, Shadegg now serves as chairman of the House Policy Committee. The Policy Committee shapes policy for the Conference and was previously chaired by California Rep. Chris Cox before he became chairman of the SEC. Shadegg works well with the leadership and would be able to attract more senior Republicans to his effort. While Shadegg is considering the race, he has not made a final decision.
Jerry Lewis, California. While an acknowledged moderate, Lewis has impressed conservatives with his stewardship as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Lewis has overseen the budget reduction efforts pushed by conservatives in 2005 and held the line on spending. He would have an attractive base with the California delegation and the members of his expansive Appropriations Committee, not to mention the fact that his committee passes out all of the pork that so many members rely on. On top of that, he would be a natural attraction for the moderates if he chooses to do it.
Look for the Whip lineup tomorrow.