Darrell Issa is seeking the fifth highest spot in the House GOP leadership, Policy Chairman. The Policy Committee helps formulate policy for the Republican Majority and until June of last year, it was led by Californian Chris Cox. When President Bush nominated Cox to serve as SEC Chairman, California lost a powerful seat in the GOP leadership.
With John Shadegg resigning as Policy Chairman to seek the post of Majority Leader, Issa, a member of the committee, has thrown his hat in the ring. Here’s a look at his opposition:
Adam Putnam, Florida. Putnam, a member of the Rules Committee, and in his third term, is one of the youngest members of Congress. Putnam was elected to the state legislature in his early twenties and is one of the smartest members of the Florida delegation and highly respected. He is very close to the Speaker and aside from the occasional trade vote, rarely bucks the leadership. ACU rating: 95%.
Thaddeus McCotter, Michigan. McCotter is too intelligent for his own good. McCotter can over-think the most mundane things but when he speaks, which is rare, its worth listening. In his second term from the blue collar suburbs of Detroit, McCotter understands politics and policy. Given his mercurial personality, it might be hard to attract the affections of his colleagues. ACU rating: 90%.
Phil Gingrey, Georgia. Another second-termer, currently serving on the Policy Committee, Gingrey is a solid conservative and active member of the RSC. Gingrey was a medical doctor in his professional career and is a prodigious fundraiser representing a tough GOP district. Its too early to tell what Gingrey’s chances would be but he’s well thought of by his colleagues and a hard worker. ACU rating: 92%.