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Open seats on influential committees will be grabbing much of the attention at the House Republican Conference reorganization meeting that starts on Wednesday.
Before the election, some congressional observers were predicting a slew of challengers to vie for House GOP leadership positions. And while there are a couple of leadership races under way, they have lacked much intrigue.
There is no shortage of jockeying, however, on seeking seats on so-called “A” committees, such as the Ways and Means Committee.
The panel, which has jurisdiction over taxes, trade and Medicare, is high on GOP member request lists. At least 13 Republicans have expressed an interest in filling slots left vacant by retirements and election defeats earlier this month, according to sources familiar with the requests.
Due to Democratic gains on Nov. 4, several open seats could be eliminated when Democrats adjust committee ratios to reflect their increased majority, a decision that could occur as early as the end of this week.
At the start of the 110th Congress, 17 Republicans sat on the Ways and Means Committee. Six are retiring and two lost their reelection races.
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), who is expected to win his unchallenged bid for minority whip on Wednesday, will retain his seat, according to a knowledgeable source.
Members who might seek a Ways and Means seat include Reps. Michele Bachmann (Minn.), Virginia Foxx (N.C.), Ginny Brown-Waite (Fla.), Henry Brown Jr. (S.C.), Dean Heller (Nev.), Kevin McCarthy (Calif.), Mike Conaway (Texas), Geoff Davis (Ky.), Peter Roskam (Ill.), Dave Reichert (Wash.), Kenny Marchant (Texas), Vern Buchanan (Fla.) and Tom Price (Ga.).
Price and Conaway, who declared their intentions to seek the positions earlier this year following a rash of retirements from the panel, are considered to be top contenders.
There are many factors that play into panel decisions, including regional concerns. The bids by both Price and Conaway are hampered by the fact that Texas and Georgia are already represented on the powerful committee through Reps. John Linder (Ga.), Kevin Brady (Texas) and Sam Johnson (Texas).
A ranking membership is also up for grabs on the panel. Reps. Wally Herger (Calif.) and Dave Camp (Mich.) began campaigning to replace retiring Rep. Jim McCrery (La.) shortly following McCrery’s announcement nearly a year ago. Camp is viewed as the favorite to win the ranking member post.
The Financial Services Committee could also possibly see a shake-up. Conservative members of the House Republican Conference have complained privately that Rep. Spencer Bachus (Ala.), the ranking member of the panel, is not a strong enough counterpart to Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.).
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