Pence Resigns from GOP Leadership
Politico reports:
While his party basked in the afterglow of a historic House victory, Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) announced he would resign as House Republican Conference Chairman, and Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling threw his hat in the ring.
Hensarling, who has led the conservative Republican Study Committee, quickly won the endorsement of incoming Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the likely incoming majority leader. The Cantor backing gives Hensarling a huge boost for the leadership job, which is seen as a stepping stone to higher slots in the GOP hierarchy.
“Today, I was saddened to learn that my dear friend Mike Pence has chosen not to stand for House Republican Conference Chairman for the 112th Congress,” Hensarling said in a news release. “While I do not claim to be able to fill Mike Pence’s shoes, I have the commitment and passion to build upon his work. To that end, I announce my candidacy to be the next Chairman of the House Republican Conference.”
POLITICO reported last week that Pence was planning to step down and that he planned to tell his colleagues that he was looking at serving beyond the House.
“As we consider new opportunities to serve Indiana and our nation in the years ahead, I have come to realize that it may not be possible to complete an entire term as Conference Chairman,” Pence said in a letter to colleagues. “As such, I think it would be more appropriate for me to step aside now, especially since there are other talented men and women in our Conference who could do the job just as well or better.”
