[greekbeast]

There are several stories today about the upcoming election in the House of Representatives for the position of majority leader. Here are excerpts from two.

Corruption Scandals Cast Shadow on GOP Leadership Race, Washington Post, January 30, 2006:

In eight concise paragraphs, two moderate and two conservative House Republicans put into writing last week what they say many of their colleagues quietly fear: the GOP's plunging poll numbers, rising public support for a Congress controlled by Democrats and the increasing belief among voters that the Republican Party is corrupt.

House Republicans will gather Thursday to elect a successor to Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) as majority leader, and the perceptions of corruption, though "neither fair nor accurate . . . are reality," Reps. Jim Kolbe (Ariz.), Charles Bass (N.H.), Paul Ryan (Wis.) and Tom Feeney (Fla.) wrote in a letter to their colleagues, imploring them to vote for change. "We must realize that the Majority we have all worked so hard for is in jeopardy." An internal leadership race is often won or lost not on big themes such as reform and continuity but on personal relationships and promises made to individual lawmakers. But this week's contest may be different, say strategists for all three candidates. It is taking shape before a backdrop of scandal and in an election year when Democrats see their best chance of regaining control of the House in years. In Election, a Fight to Lead the G.O.P. in a Crucial Year, New York Times, January 30, 2006:

House Republicans will choose a leader to replace Tom DeLay this week in a private election that holds major significance for their party's public image as they head uneasily toward crucial midterm elections.

Three lawmakers — Roy Blunt of Missouri, John A. Boehner of Ohio and John Shadegg of Arizona — are running for the majority leader post being vacated by Representative DeLay, the polarizing Texan who is credited with much of the party's Congressional success but who was pushed from leadership in part because of his ties to the lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

In light of the Abramoff scandal, a Republican House member's admission of bribery, and inquiries into the conduct of other lawmakers and former aides, an internal fight that would typically turn on legislative skills, fund-raising power and political savvy has centered on whether the contenders can help dispel an impression that Republicans are too cozy with special interests.

All three men are supporting various initiatives intended to limit the influence of lobbyists and promising other changes in the way the House does business. But the veteran lawmakers, particularly Mr. Blunt and Mr. Boehner, have faced questions about their own close connections to the capital's lobbying and fund-raising community. Mt question is, is it possible for the Republicans to elect a competent person as majority leader who isn't tainted to some degree by the Abramoff corruption scandal? And if the answer is yes, which of the three candidates will be elected?