San Diego Congressman Darrell Issa, will be announcing later today his intention to seek the 
position of House Policy Chairman in wake of John Shadegg’s announcement that he will resign as he seeks the Majority Leader post.
The Policy Committee chairman is responsible for formulating the majority’s policy directives and works directly with the GOP leadership.
Letter from Issa to the GOP Conference:
January 13, 2006
Dear Republican Colleague:
Today, I am announcing my candidacy for Policy Chairman and I ask for your support.
I have served as a member of the Policy Committee since my election in 2000. I believe in the need for this very important committee and I want to continue to make it relevant in the policy discussions that our conference will have in the 2nd Session of Congress; specifically, in the issues of Immigration, Health Care, Telecommunications and Tax Reform. These and many other issues of importance to our Conference need to be outlined and discussed, because our constituents demand nothing less from us. Together, we can formulate policy suggestions that can propel us forward as the Party of the people, unlike our Democratic counterparts, who have proposed nothing of substance since we assumed the majority in 1994.
As Chairman of the Policy Committee, I commit to you that I will use my experience from the private sector to harness the potential of the latest communication and information technologies to help us formulate a better long-term and more inclusive approach to issues. With your help and guidance we can truly make a difference.
I have a vision that the House Policy Committee can serve as a regular resource for Members to learn more about current and upcoming policy questions, a directory for organizations and individuals currently working to find solutions Congress will one day implement, and as a vehicle for sharing their ideas and concerns with other Members, the Executive Branch, and outside organizations. The Policy Committee can and will be used by both our Members and our Leadership to make sure that thorough discussions will take place and thoughtful proposals will be acted upon by our Leadership.
Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to working with you to continue and enhance a forward thinking approach on the policy issues of the time.
Your Colleague,
Darrell Issa
Member of Congress