ALEXANDRIA, VA -- The plea deal of former lobbyist Jack Abramoff has sparked more than just a media frenzy in Washington, DC. With Rep. Tom DeLay's (R-TX) decision to permanently step down from his post as Majority Leader, House Republicans are scheduled to hold new leadership elections the first week they return (the last week of January).

Currently, the race for Majority Leader pits two long-time friends of NACS against one another: Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO), currently House Majority Whip, and Rep. John Boehner (R-H), Chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee. Rumored to be considering entering the race is yet another long-time friend, John Shadegg (R-AZ), Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee. It appears from reports that Rep. Blunt may have the lead in endorsements, but Rep. Boehner is confident the decision will not be determined until elections are held. If Rep. Shadegg enters the race, it is uncertain what influence he will have on the endorsements already made and those pending.

There are some members of the Republican party calling for more broad elections, extending beyond the post of Majority Leader and including the Whip and the conference Chair, currently held by Deborah Pryce (R-OH). The Speaker of the House at this point seems immune to these calls. There is little indications, however, that the party will seek to completely clean house (pun intended).

If elections for Whip are held, either as part of a broad reform package or to fill a vacancy created if Rep. Blunt is selected as Majority Leader, the race could fill up quickly. Already announcing their intentions for the position are Eric Cantor (R-VA), currently Chief Deputy Whip, Mike Rogers (R-MI) and  Todd Tiahrt (R-KS), both serving as Deputy Whips, and Zach Wamp (R-TN). Rep. Cantor has announced the support of more than 100 Republicans, 16 short of the number necessary to lock up the elections, although most consider those 100 not to be locked in stone.

Meanwhile the scandal is leading both House and Senate Republicans to begin crafting legislation to reform lobbyist access to legislators and their staffs, while Democrats are using the opportunity to strengthen their message that Republicans are managing a "Culture of Corruption." Rumors of policy direction vary, but suggestions about ending privately funded educational trips and reimposing the gift ban, which would end lobbyists treating members and staffs to lunch, are being considered. Other policies that have been floated would impose more stringent reporting requirements on lobbyists and congressional staff and members, as well as require reporting of constituent contacts. All of these proposals are intended to keep members and their staff more accountable for their decisions and to maintain a watchful eye on those who seek to influence the process. How such deliberations will play out remains to be seen.

Clearly, a new day may be dawning in Washington, DC. Members of Congress are returning early to caucus with their colleagues before the beginning of the second sessions of the 109th Congress on January 31. We will hopefully get a better sense of what to expect in the next several weeks.

From the confusing world of national politics, have a great weekend.

John Eichberger
Vice President, Government Relations