Burr mum on taking top Energy panel slot

Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) is staying mum for now on the prospect that he will become the top Republican on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee following ranking member Lisa Murkowski's (R-Alaska) defeat in her GOP primary.

“Sen. Burr is focused on his current duties in the Senate and his reelection campaign. It is far too early to speculate about any possible changes for the 112th Congress,” said spokesman David Ward.

Burr is next in line to be ranking member — or chairman if Republicans reclaim the Senate — of the panel that shapes policy on oil-and-gas drilling, mining, renewable energy, public lands and other matters.