Today, House Republicans will choose a new conference leader, taking over for Rep. Jeb Hensarling (TX), who departs the position for the Financial Services Committee in 2013. Yet unlike last Tuesday’s contests, this on is a relatively pain-free election for conservatives, as both candidates vying for the position have solid records as conservative lawmakers.
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA) and Rep. Tom Price (GA) both have their eyes on the job, and both have received high-profile support from other members in their respective bids. And, with 92% and 97% lifetime ratings, respectively, from the ACU, they’re both clearly well-suited to serve as one of the top faces of Republican leadership in the House.
Rep. Price made headlines with a major endorsement from Rep. Paul Ryan, while Rep. McMorris Rodgers has the backing of a number of highly-placed members of GOP Leadership, including Speaker John Boehner, as well as a number of committee chairs.
Townhall has obtained copies of their Dear Colleague letters, which request support from fellow Republican Members. Copies of both McMorris Rodgers’ letter on her own behalf and Ryan’s letter on behalf of Price are below. The House Republican Conference will vote this afternoon and select a one of the two as the new chair. Luckily for conservatives nationwide, no matter who wins, the cause will be in good hands.
Dear Colleague,
I am writing today to ask for your vote to be the next Chairman of the House Republican Conference.
We must continue to put forward a bold vision of conservative reform, using traditional and new media and every channel available to reach America.
As your Vice Chairman over the past two Congresses, I have worked to be worthy of your trust and support. I am honored to have played a role in communicating our conservative agenda – to build an America that is strong, prosperous and free.
On the political front, I’ve helped recruit stellar candidates, raised over $1,000,000 to the NRCC, contributed over $300,000 to candidates and traveled to 51 Congressional districts in 22 states.
Two years ago, voters returned a Republican majority to Congress because they were frustrated that “hope and change” had brought nothing but the same failed Big Government policies of the past.
As your Vice Chairman and in my capacity as Governor Romney’s House Liaison, I’ve tried to give a strong public presentation of our agenda while providing an open forum behind the scenes where Members are respected and heard. If elected Conference Chairman, I’d like to continue and build upon this approach.
Growing up on the family orchard in Washington State, I learned at an early age – no one brings in an apple harvest on their own. It takes a lot of hands to get it pruned, thinned, picked and sold.
I believe the same principle applies to Conference. We’ve got some beautiful ideas ready for harvest but only by working as a team will we get it done.
Again, I humbly ask for your vote. I look forward to discussing my vision for the Conference – as well as your ideas and suggestions – at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Dear Colleague –
Having crisscrossed the country over the last several months, I have seen firsthand the challenges we as a nation face. I have also seen the incredible spirit of the American people who are hungry for real leadership and ready to do what is necessary to put America back on a more prosperous path.
In the House of Representatives, we have an obligation and a real opportunity to produce and promote a positive and principled agenda for the American people. Over the past two years, we have offered bold solutions to our fiscal and economic challenges. We must not let up, but rather continue to focus our energy on doing what is necessary to empower individuals, families, and entrepreneurs.
Key to ensuring the success of our efforts will be having proven leaders at the helm of our policy and communication strategies. That is why I am asking you to join me in supporting Congressman Tom Price to be our next Chairman of the House Republican Conference.
I have had the privilege of working with Congressman Price on a myriad of different issues over the years, and I know he is uniquely qualified for the job of Conference Chairman. He was instrumental in drafting our House Republican budget. His vocal leadership on issues like health care, tax reform, and fiscal matters has been vital to our messaging and policy efforts.
No one will work harder than Congressman Price at building a strong and compelling communications and policy strategy that reflects the will of our membership and the needs of the nation.
Sincerely,
Paul Ryan
Chairman, House Committee on the Budget