The GOP House leadership shuffle: Blunt steps down
It is time for new, fresh blood. But a caveat emptor warning is in order.
House Minority Whip Roy Blunt announced this morning that he’s stepping down to make way for Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor:
He gave a nod to his expected successor, Mr. Cantor, saying the Virginia Republican “has done a great job. He’s been a good partner in our efforts.”
The whip’s job is to count noses and corral House Republicans’ votes on key issues. Mr. Blunt has held the job since taking over when former Rep. Tom DeLay became Republicans’ House leader in 2003.
Mr. Cantor has been Mr. Blunt’s chief deputy since then, and his ascent was expected once Mr. Blunt gave up the reins.
Cantor is supported by many Beltway Republican types. But other close observers have raised red flags. See Quin Hilyer here and read this especially worrisome piece from last week about his role in the Crap Sandwich debacle:
House Republican Deputy Whip Eric Cantor has spent the last week making calls to fellow Republican House members he believes will survive next week’s election, according to several members who received the call. “He is already lining up support for his next job,” says one member who spoke to Cantor. “I’m not sure what it is, and he doesn’t seem to know, but it’s not going to be deputy job, that’s for sure.”
On the call, according to another member, Cantor apologized for the two economic bailout votes that were forced on some Republicans after the initial vote failed to gain passage. “He said the bailout bill and the votes were a mistake,” a third member said. “He was apologetic about it, which was no big deal to me, I didn’t vote for it. I thought he was wrong. I wish he’d call the folks who are losing right now. That’s what a leader would do.”
… Cantor, however, has failed to distinguish himself with many House Republicans. He angered a number of members after the first bailout bill failed, by claiming the vote had nothing to do with principled objections to the bill, and more to do with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s floor remarks before the vote.
Cantor, as well, is known inside the Republican caucus for playing it safe on both policy and floor politics, something some Republicans don’t believe the party can afford to do given the last two election cycles.
Is this the best they can do? Wouldn’t it help to have someone in charge who was right from the start about the bailout disaster– someone who has the demonstrated ability to oppose new socialist onslaughts, defend fundamental conservative principles, build viable support for alternative proposals that do more good than harm, and expose threats immediately before it’s too late?
I expect too much, I guess.
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Nice to see a Jew take command of the republicans in the house.
THAT right there is a MAJOR red flag!
If McCain would have said NO WAY he would be Prez.
I’m willing to give Cantor a shot.
OT- I see bad times ahead for the stock market
Is that some rogue Dems idea, or Obama’s idea, to kill the tax deduction on 401k-s?
The idea of the 401ks being nationalized, and paid at a fixed 3% means a whole lot of money, and, I mean, a whole lot of money, must come out of the stock market.
Mutual funds will collapse. The market will sink to 1970s levels.
However, it will mean many people that formerly had an equity share, petit bourgeosie capitalists, as it were, will no longer have an ownership share, and will be lucky to be just the working or proletariat class again.
Perfect idea if one wants to create a Marxist egalitarian utopia in the United States. The most elite among us, Barbara Streisand, Jay Rockefeller, David Geffen, the Kennedy family, will be allotted certain perquisites, like fine dachas in the country, for their important work for the revolution. But we’ll all be equal and happy.
Michelle
I don’t think it’s too much to expect that our representatives on the republican side of the aisle follow our desires. If anything, Cantor can be the first one purged, if I had any power. Small case R in “republican” is used deliberately .
So the votes for the bailout were a simple mistake?
Sorry, not a mistake that he would have made if he had just done his job as a conservative and a representative. We made it pretty easy for him to know how we felt.
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
These bozos still don’t get it.
No you don’t, we ACCEPT too little!
No more of that!!!!
sick of hear this “reach across the aisle” Bullcarp also.
The last thing we need is another glad-handing weenie in a leadership position! If you can’t stand up and take a stand for real conservative principles, then please just GTFO of the way and make room for a real leader.
Not Obama’s idea, and certainly the dream of not a rogue, but every DEM. Considering the market’s slide, one Obama could agree on.
What’s not to like about government control of — EVERYTHING!!
I got an email from John Boehner about his efforts to fight to stay as minority leader.
I dont have a problem with our house leadership. Most of them kept fighting against the bailout and other things. It was the good old boys in the senate that let us down.
And the one place that needs to be fumigated is the RNC. That is where we are losing elections. The RNC is too clueless on how to run campaigns.
Ugh. Key words here: Playing it Safe. People, when will you get a clue! Playing it safe is what got you into this situation in the first place.
My rep keeps telling me that she reaches across the aisle. I keep reminding her that she only pulls back a stump!
I miss Tom Delay. He would be Rahm Emmanuel’s equal. Sigh.
GOP leaders are meeting in VA today to talk about way forward
I am so sick of Republican candidates that REACH ACROSS THE AISLE. I don’t want people that REACH ACROSS THE AISLE. I want representation that will stand up for things important to the conservatives that put them in office. I want a representative that will look Nancy Pelosi in the eye and say “NO. YOU MAY NOT HAVE ANY MORE OF MY CONSTITUENTS MONEY.” How exactly do we compromise on abortion? Or immigration? Or even health care. Either you believe that America is the greatest country on the planet and because of that YOU have the opportunity to determine the outcome of YOUR life or you don’t. And if you don’t and are waiting for someone to level the playing field for you, then you are NOT a true America. You are a parasite.
Rant over.
Fight for the RNC Chair
Jim Nussle: The former Iowa congressman and current director of the Office of Management and Budget is the new name in the mix.
• Katon Dawson: Dawson, the high profile chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party
• Jim Greer:
Greer, the chairman of the Florida Republican Party, had a mixed bag of results last night
Since we wrote this post, a number of other names have been floated including three who seem all but certain candidates: current Republican National Committee Chair Mike Duncan, former Maryland Lieutenant Gov. Michael Steele and Chip Saltsman, the former chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party and the presidential campaign manager for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee
Republicans took control of the Congress in 1996 with the Contract With America, basically, a pledge to return to Reagan-Conservatism.
In 2006, they lost because the began moving back to the “center”.
Someone needs to remind them of that.
Those that signed onto the Contract were mostly the newly elected freshmen in Congress and were deliberately shunned and kept out of important committee leadership. It was the usual suspects of resentful GOP D.C. oldtimers who squelched them and resisted fulfillment of the Contract.
The GOP house/senate leadership and the RNC need to align themselves with those that voted twice against the bailout to distance themselves from what will be the most destructive piece of legislation against founding principles ever to come down the pike; Otherwise they are advocating for socialism and there won’t be a dimes worth of difference between them and the Democrats going forward.
The same Tennessee Republican Party that McCain disavowed because they actually attacked Obama?
Nobody in congress reaches across the aisle except to ram cr@p legislation down our throats. Comprehensive immigration reform talk and this bank bail out just keeps rewarding the corrupt and bad behavior infesting the congress and media. Our elected officals consider REFORM to be when they get us to buy into their loopy leadership and social programs.
There is an anti Steele movement underfoot
Jeezzz. Well obviously the GOP has misinterpreted the election and think “more of the same” is the answer. The GOP is commiting political Suicide if they don’t get fresh people, and true republicans..not these fake ones who are more interested Pork and lobbyist than the people.
Idiot GOP. If you are like me, you are sick of two things:
1. Apologies: I am sick of politicians seeing an apology as nothing more than a way to do what we don’t want and then later act like we should all forgive them. “yes, I know I killed your mother, but I am really sorry so let’s move forward.” No, why don’t you move back!
2. Bipartianship, aka selling out: Here is a clue GOP, work for non-partianship, nothing more, nothing less.
This isn’t change, this is capitulation.
So, let me get this straight. The RNC doesn’t want him because he IS black?
What was disingenuous was when they transported Alan Keyes to run against Obama. Steele has been a great Republican cheerleader for a while. Not like the RNC would be bringing him out of the closet or anything. He’s had a lot of face time.
I would go with him in a minute.
It’s a pretty sad state of affairs when we have to rely on the Democrats to rid our party of dead weight.
When will we start electing representatives that defy the “Peter Principle?”
You are correct. Bipartisanship = agreeing with the Dems = capitulation. Might just as well have just ONE party then.
Partisanship is THE reason we have different political parties.
I assume you are implying we do not already have ONE party, lol.
Here is the list of RNC members who vote for new RNC Cheif
sorry its not a complete list
Cantor is my representative in Virginia. I’ve not been too impressed with him. He does nothing but go with the flow and buddy up with those who might get him somewhere. He represents himself, not the people.
William, did you mean Chief or Chef? Because it is quite possible the real leadership role we need to fill is a new Chef for the GOP. It is quite possible they need a new diet of steak and potatoes and return to the roots of this country and the party. The peas and carrots with a side of a liberal excrement sandwich is just not cutting it.
True. Vegetables are what meat eats.
Par for the effin’ course. Final straw…Had enough! I am throwing all of my contributions of time and $$ into the constitution party. I am done with the GOP like a bad beer.
I would love to see Thaddeus McCotter in a strong leadership position in the house:
Now, Seize Freedom!
Lots of HA folks slammed this as lacking specific policy proposals, but it is from basic bedrock principles that sound policy is born, and these are sound conservative principles.
Other HA folks freaked about the mention of God, of course, but even atheists that wish to be free have to place the grantor of rights at a level above humanity or humans will always devise ways to determine which humans do not merit those rights. Who cares what your concept of God is in this formulation? You could be a pagan, you could suspect that at the birth of matter and space and energy that intelligence was in the mix, and that it plays a role, no matter, our rights are sacred, as are our lives, and we must honor that and bestow our gratitude and our obeisance to right ideas and principles that deny base men the power to redefine what is human and good.
There is room and place for blame in the failure to choose conservatism this cycle, but mostly that blame lies in not having offered it. We need to return to first principles. We need to read Hayek and Ayn Rand and the great thinkers of our movement, and teach our children.
Personally, I think I’m going to go on a Reagan binge for a good while, as I work to stock the library in my personal catacomb to wait out the Obamacost.
Sigh!!! Dollars to doughnuts they come away with the idea that they need to be: 1) more bipartisan 2) move more left on issues to pick up more moderates 3) need to pander more to hispanics by supporting amnesty and throwing $ at the hispanic ethnic race baiting organizations. The final list will probably be even longer and worse. The GOP seems completely lost at this point. Always picking the wrong course of action. Listen to the base numbskulls.
I tried to on Tuesday. Apparently I wasn’t the only one, either.
I don’t feel like I belong in, nor wanted by the Republican party anymore.
..and that is…?
Is there such as thing as a principled conservative republican at the RNC or that an imaginary creature like a leprechaun? Although I think I may have seen a leprechaun on election night somewhere after my third tequila.
Cheney/Palin 2012
In any negotiation one side gains one side loses, starting in an utterly weaken position of the middle has left us out completely.
Right of center is where most people are.
If we wish to keep that position we must start from a position right of that.
This is what the left has done and as a result they have managed to get most of what they want while blaming Bush and taking no responsibility for the spending free for all.
Reagan would never have accepted this for our party and we need leaders that walk the Reagan walk along with the talk!
found on redstate.com – i need to talk to my accountant and get me some of this!
Why wouldn’t 4228 North Hermitage property owners Rahm Emanuel and wife Amy Rule not pay property taxes?
One reason may be because Emanuel and Rule declared their 4228 North Hermitage home as the office location for their non-profit foundation appropriately called the “Rahm Emanuel and Amy Rule Charitable Foundation”. As a non-profit headquarters, they may consider their home as exempt from paying taxes.
How did Cantor vote on the bailout?
That would be a “Yea” vote. Cantor is NOT who we need. Anyone who votes for him for Whip also does not deserve our support.
The Rep Cantor article linked-to above also has a smaller article about Mitt Romney. I hadn’t seen this before. It says Romney’s aides are behind the back-stabbing of Gov Palin that’s been going on. It seems they want to position Romney as a future head of the RNC and the “next in line” for 2012. I strongly oppose this. Romney is a pretty boy to be sure but he’s no conservative. Another GOP centrist means another GOP defeat. Especially if that centrist is a self-promoting, power-hungry, back-stabbing anti-conservative.
There are several ways for GOP leadership to go. They can hunker down and try to put together some sort of conservative message and banner. It’s unlikely to be successful without a charismatic leader to lead the charge.
On the other side of the scale (and also way out there), the GOP Congress could perhaps look to build some ties with Blue Dog Democrats and perhaps form some sort of Red Dog majority coalition that could put a Blue Dog in charge of Congress — marginalizing Nancy, Frank and the assimilated to the fringe where they belongs. The sale here depends upon convincing the Blue Dogs that if Nancy and the Lefts are allowed to do what they want, there will be another 1994 Democrat Bloodbath in Congress, putting the Blue Dogs out of office.
With Nancy already saying she is going to govern from the middle, it’s possible this is a pre-emptive strike to prevent some sort of Red Dog takeover of Congress from happening.
I like Mike Steele. He knows first hand how underhanded, dirty, untrustworthy, and prevaricating the Democrats are. Did Chuckie Schumers minions ever go to jail for using Steele’s SSN to access his credit reports?
ECS
When Republicans had the White House, Senate & House, they had a tough time advancing their agenda because the Democrats in Congress voted in bloc on every issue. No one wavered. The minority was then able to exert influence.
Republicans won’t have that advantage because of the RINOS, some of which are actually Democrats (See J McCain). There will be plenty that will reach across the aisle to be used as Democrat tools.
It is very obvious that despite Pelosi’s statement of moderation, Obama is setting his camp up on the far left hand corner of the field, we had better reciprocate!
Clearly, many of the republicans still do not get it. There is no reason to vote for a democrat lite republican.
Without a return to conservative fiscal principals, there is no reason for any of them to even show up in congress.
A leader would apologize to the American taxpayer. We’re the ones who got screwed here, not the GOP idiots who voted for the bailout. They got what they deserved (a diminished minority in the Congress), but it’s the taxpayer who’s left holding this bag of steaming horse****.
Richard A. Viguerie at national review.com
link
He’s right, the Wall St. and K St. Republicans have dealt a near death blow to Main St. Republicans. Cantor sounds like another beltway insider.
The sting of McCain’s loss was shortlived for me because he really wasn’t a candidate that I was excited about to begin with. The Republican party has left me. I care about limited government, personal responsibility, national defense, and stopping illegal immigration.
The truth be told, there was no candidate that shared my view on the role Government should play in this country.
I hope the Democrats have enough rope to hang themselves with the change they seek.
Then again, California still hasn’t learned that big Government Democrat policies don’t work.
Well California Red, I guess that fiscal conservative Arnold is now wanting an additional 1.5% sales tax increase statewide! As well, as new taxes on ’special goods’ like beer and golfing!
A perfect example of how to turn a recession into a depression!
Freddy
Isn’t California raising it’s state income tax to 10.5%. That by itself is a deal buster. Small businesses will leave that state and come here to Idaho so they might make a living.
I have seen the Republican power structure in action. If it is not “your turn” to be leader and you make a run for the leader’s chair, you better win. Otherwise, they’ll squash you for the rest of your career. Luckily, this appears to be a wide open race for the RNC. So, maybe some new blood with a vigorous, athletic, conservative agenda will have a shot.
I like Michael Steele, in spite of the real potential of the public mocking the choice as “me too!”
I believe Eric Cantor was also one of the Republicans who stayed behind to work on, and even provide leadership for, the energy bill when the Democrats decided to turn out the lights. No one is perfect, but it seems to me that Cantor will be a good leader for House Republicans.
It’s hard, but we need to understand that the ‘Republican Party’ extant DOES NOT WANT CONSERVATISM to befuddle their sorry wishy washy, linguine spined Rodney King Politics.
We need to do it ourselves. Form a Conservative, anti-socialist, anti-democrat party (Same thing actually) Party of Constitutional Values. Our Grand children are depending on us.
The Grand Experiment is in Dire Danger.
Google Cloward-Piven Strategy
Those calling for a new party do not heed Ronald Reagan’s message.
We have an immediate battle to fight.
A battle that if we do not win, will mean all bets are off!
We are winners only when we act like, and stick to conservative principles.
Our opponents want us to be divided so that they can conquer us.
Don’t fall for it!
I think Uplander and so many others here really DO understand that the GOP is not a party of conservatism or personal liberty. Check out the stark contrast in opinions regarding Obama’s choice of Rahm Emanual for Chief of Staff. This is from an AP post. You will notice the first quote from McCain’s dear friend and fellow republican traitor, Graham.
“Rahm knows Capitol Hill and has great political skills,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. “He can be a tough partisan but also understands the need to work together.”
House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio was less kind. He called his appointment an “ironic choice for a president-elect who has promised to change Washington, make politics more civil and govern from the center.”
Not surprising the mealy mouth was a Senator and the one with balls was a Representative, but with a near fillabuster proof majority in the Senate, does the left need anymore McCains and Grahams to get them over the hump?
hey on a similar note of congressional transition – I understand the democrats are taking steps to take power/responsibility from Senator Joe Lieberman…I guess their first step in “reaching across the aisle”
Har.
What a pathetic spectacle this thread is. According to you people, Eric Cantor is not a conservative. Oooooo-kay….so, enlighten me – what, exactly, has Eric Cantor done that is a repudiation of conservatism? Please, cite some examples that go beyond a blog entry written by someone I’ve never heard of for a magazine that ceased to be relevant about a decade ago. Is there anything other than the bailout? Anything at all? Is that the end all, be all of conservatism? The comments here are nothing more than a purity test of ridiculous proportions.
BTW, Eric Cantor was never a part of the K Street project and has been a consistent opponent of earmarks and pork. But, please, don’t let that stop the echo chamber. I also find it particularly ironic that in Michelle’s fine piece today on the disgusting hit job on Sarah Palin, that she slams the anonymous nature of the smears……and then she links approvingly to what is essentially a gossip piece featuring anonymous slams on Eric Cantor. What, didn’t those unnamed House Republicans have the balls to put a name to their jabs?
I suppose Reagan was just another RINO too, since he agreed to an immigration amnesty and tucked tail and fled from Beirut. We must brook no deviations from the party line! You’re all acting like a bunch of Kos Kids, and it’s really sad. Go ahead, prove me wrong. Tell me how Eric Cantor (lifetime ACU rating of 96) isn’t a conservative.
With all due respect dadinseattle, God Love Him, President Reagan was one of a kind and he’s dead.
‘We are winners only when we act like, and stick to conservative principles.’.
This can no longer be done in the Republican Party.
Republican/Democrat, Heads/Tails same coin.
There’s too much to be done to waste time on failed, neutered, uncommitted politicians.
Eric Cantor may be a great Conservative. Maybe that means he’s no longer a Republican.
How many times will you take being slapped around and used like an abused girl friend before you realize there’s nothing for you there any longer?
The GOP is toast if they have people like Tom Davis involved in their “renewal” project in any way shape or form.
This is going to be a pure cosmetic makeover. The RINOs will still be running the GOP. We need a conservative alternative.
The entire “leadership” of the RNC and NRCC need to go. They are all RINOs weasels. There will be no change in the party without change in leadership.
The GOP is toast if they have people like Tom Davis involved in their “renewal” project in any way shape or form.
This is going to be a pure cosmetic makeover. The RINOs will still be running the GOP. We need a conservative alternative.
The entire “leadership” of the RNC and NRCC need to go. They are all RINOs weasels. There will be no change in the party without change in leadership.
WarEagle, please tell me, using specific examples, how Eric Cantor is a RINO weasel. Or are you just yelling cliches out of your ass?
Now that GWB will be out of the White House in January, that will free Cantor to follow a more conservative-libertarian line.
chsw
My statement was directly aimed at Tom Davis and and more broadly at the majority of the current GOP House and Senate “leadership.” These are the people who destroyed the GOP over the last 8 years. They need to go. I said nothing about Cantor.
And do try to make posts without profanity. There are so many other words you might have used.
Just my thought. The Dems almost always vote as a block and the Repubs were scattered on both sides of the aisle. Especially on those very important votes.
When was the last time the Repubs voted as a block? Repubs spend too much time trying to get along than doing what is right. Having cotton for balls makes for poor support.
I would like to see Thad McCotter in there. At least he is principled, and voted no twice on the bailout.
No. Unless the Dems try to pass the “Make Obama Emperor For Life Bill”, they won’t be any filibusters. The Dems can pass whatever they like with the eager help of McCain, Graham, and several others.
It’s important that we get a new public face for the party, not McConnell or McCain, and maybe not even Palin. One who can speak for the party and denounce the Dems actions. A Gingrich like figure.
Because if McCain continues to be our “leader” and spends the next two years kissing the Dems butt, then we’ll lose more seats in 2010.
A new Contract For America type effort would be nice, assuming the assortment of liberal Republicans we collected in trying for a “big tent” would go along with one.
He’s been free to do that all along.
Boehner and Blunt capitulated on the bailout along with the scores of republican reps and senators. The party hierachy is totally RINOS and no one is taking a stand and saying NO MORE! We will continue to see more Doles, Bush’s and McCains as puppets put forth by the RNC bunch. Maybe they can persuade Lugar to be the next candidate.
If we want a conservative look to the Constitution Party. The true conservative running last time – Ron Paul – stated he was voting for Chuck Baldwin. I know that those of you who are rabid anti-God will start screaming “Church and State” separation. The CP does not endorse any religion but does endorse Christian “principles” which is what the founding fathers emphasized throughout the process of establishing this country.
I know many will echo the “Can’t win” platitude but how does anyone win with “conservatives” like Bush and McCain?
You all know the definition of insanity. Will you continue to exhibit it?
There is no finer Republican representaitve than Michael Steele. Who the hell cares what color he is . The RNC needs leadership that is in touch with the base. Sorry I don’t see a black man I see a true conservative, articulate, intelligent, MAN who speaks very well for me.
The Repubs are going NO WHERE if they don’t open upto diversity and go back to basics. If they choose to ignore the base we, the people, WILL START ANOTHER CONSERVATIVE PARTY and leave these yokels in the dust!!
Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) has already promised that he will lead a filibuster for each and every proposed judge including SCOTUS if they are NOT constitutional judges. Enough legislating from the bench. Inform YOUR Senators to join him without hesitation. Time to BORK the left!!!
Consider the Goooh Party
Honestly, I think Conservative Republicans need to form an organized block within the Republican party. Let them agree to work together and vote together whether the RINOs want to or not.
They should also vote together within the party. Let them pick their own internal leaders, and they can all vote together when it comes time to select the party leadership. If everyone else is as fragmented as I hear, then that could get the Conservatives a better representation in the GOP.
“Nuf said!
Eric Cantor is from a neighboring district. He comes off as a boy scout in rhetoric and appearance, but I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him.
A couple days ago, a MM poster reminded readers of two distinct anti-conservative stances Steele has taken, so he loses my vote, too.
I also didn’t buy John Boehner’s tearful “God help us,” when he voted for the bailout.
What about DeLay? He’s not doing anything else, and seems like a man who could get things done.
I’d also get true conservative recommendations from folks like Duncan Hunter, Mike Pence, Jim DeMint — as well as MM and Ann Coulter. These folks have had their eyes trained on our RNC debacles like no one else.