So, I just got back from a blogger briefing with Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana, who as some of you may have heard, is running for Minority Leader. What's that you ask? Yes, of course I acted professionally in his presence! I can't believe y'all would even ask that. What? Did I buy him candy and flowers? What? Of course not. You can tell by his figure he doesn't eat sweets, anyway. Ha.
Anyway, Pence was upbeat and conservative and encouraging and all the things he always is. It sounds like the race for Leader will certainly be uphill, but he said he's been getting positive reaction from folks on the Hill. Will they do the right thing and elect a change of leadership?
I think, politically, they have to. Perception is reality in this case. I don't even have a huge problem with Boehner. He stepped into what was already a bad situation when he became Majority Leader, but the fact remains that he is old leadership, and we need new leadership. And, given that we've got a competent, inspiring guy like Pence to provide it, I pray the Republicans will do the right thing. That does not, of course, mean they will. See for reference: Harriet Miers and Mel Martinez. Yikes.
And, this is mostly an inside baseball election, according to Pence. Public sentiment--which, judging by the conservative blogs and their readership, would be overwhelmingly pro-Pence-- may not play as much as we'd wish, despite the fact that a great deal of the public's faith int he Republican Party to act like our party is wrapped up in this decision.
"This election is a lot more like running for Senior Class President, which is a race I won," he said.
Don't let that discourage you, folks. Call your Congressmen and women and tell them you are looking for a change, for new leadership, for an understanding of the message voters sent last week. They need to hear what you think.
I'm gonna put up some quotes from the meeting in a bit, and we'll have audio and a transcript.
A Shadegg call is starting right now, and we'll have that one up on Townhall later, as well.
Update: Here's the audio. Give it a listen. If you haven't heard him before, you'll like this guy.