Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington emerged on Wednesday as the choice of a majority of her GOP colleagues to serve as the House Republican Conference chairman next session, beating out Rep. Tom Price of Georgia for the No. 4-ranked House Republican post.
McMorris Rodgers’ victory—in secret voting behind closed doors— was also a victory, of sorts, for Speaker John Boehner of Ohio who had made it known he supported her candidacy.
Price’s line-up of backers included Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, fresh off his vice presidential bid, and current Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling of Texas.
There were no contests for the top three House Republican jobs. Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy of California all ran unopposed.
Rep. Lynn Jenkins of Kansas has been elected by House Republicans as their conference vice chair. Martha Roby of Alabama also was vying for the post. Virginia Foxx of North Carolina was chosen as conference secretary.
No specific vote counts on any of the leadership contests are expected to be released.
Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox. Sign up for National Journal's morning alert, Wake-Up Call, and afternoon newsletter, The Edge. Subscribe here.
Leave A Comment