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Alexander to run for GOP conference chairman |
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By Jackie Kucinich
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Posted: 11/27/07 11:44 AM [ET] |
Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) has declared he will run for the No. 3 position in Senate GOP leadership and support Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) in his bid for Senate minority whip.
While Alexander is the first lawmaker to announce officially his intention to replace Kyl, the current Republican Conference chairman, sources close to Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) said they also would seek the post.
According to Senate sources, Alexander began calling his colleagues on Sunday about his interest in the whip position, which will be vacated by Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.). It was during those talks that Alexander realized most members supported Kyl for the No. 2 leadership slot, these sources say.
Lott announced his retirement on Monday.
“I have telephoned Jon Kyl to tell him I will vote for him as Trent’s successor as whip,” said Alexander in a statement late Monday. “If Jon is elected, I will be a candidate to succeed him as chairman of the Republican Conference.”
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