Sen. Burr would ‘seriously consider’ bid for top energy panel slot

Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) said Monday he has not decided whether to seek the top GOP slot on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee that will open if ranking member Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) does not return.

Murkowski stunningly lost her GOP primary to Tea Party favorite Joe Miller but is mulling a write-in candidacy.

Based on seniority, Burr is next in line to be ranking member — or chairman if Republicans take the Senate — of the panel that oversees federal policy on oil drilling, mining, renewable energy and other matters. But he would have to give up his top slot on the Veterans Affairs panel.

“I have got an election to win of my own, and once I get that out of the way, I will decide what my next venture might be up here,” Burr told reporters in the Capitol.

“I have got to think about my position as ranking [member] right now on the Veterans [Affairs] Committee,” he said. Burr added: “But energy is important to North Carolina so it would be something I would have to seriously consider.”

Many observers off the Hill believe Burr would seek the energy slot. Burr is ahead in the polls against Democratic challenger Elaine Marshall.