Breaking Down House GOP Leadership Races

By Michael Catalini // November 1, 2012 | 8:09 a.m.

Behind-the-scenes campaigning for GOP House leadership spots is well under way, our colleagues at National Journal Daily report today.

House Speaker John Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy don't face challenges. But the contest for other spots is heating up. Billy House explains:

A battle for the No. 4 leadership post of conference chair is the most competitive. Vice Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington is pitted against Republican Policy Committee Chairman Tom Price of Georgia. They are vying to succeed Rep. Jeb Hensarling of Texas, who is expected to ascend to the top GOP post on the Financial Services Committee.

Contests are also under way for conference vice chairman and secretary. Others are maneuvering for the top seats on these committees: Foreign Affairs; Homeland Security; Science; and Budget (if Chairman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin becomes vice president or steps down because of term limits). By contrast, the top spots on the National Republican Congressional Committee and the Rules and Transportation panels are believed to be all but sewn up.

Republican sources say, House writes, that Oregon's Greg Walden is the clear favorite to head the NRCC. He is deputy chairman now. Reps. Tom Cole of Oklahoma and Lynn Westmoreland of Georgia are also seeking the post.

Current NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions of Texas is expected to assume the Rules Committee chairmanship from Rep. David Dreier of California, who is retiring.

Caucus elections are set for the week after Election Day.

Subscribers can read more here.