Blunt Quits GOP Leadership
In the wake of the GOP’s dismal showing in Tuesday’s elections, Rep. Roy Blunt (Mo.), the House Republican whip, is stepping down from his leadership perch, according to a statement issued by the congressman Thursday.
“„With another election behind us, I still believe that conservative ideas define where the country wants to be and needs to be. And I believe that together we held the Democrats accountable and that we began to define some of the differences between our parties.
“„[…]
“„Yet, in part due to circumstances beyond our control, we were not successful in 2008. And I believe my instincts two years ago were correct, I can best contribute to our efforts to regain the majority and advance the interests of the American people in a different role in the 111th Congress. Therefore, I will not seek re-election as your whip.
Blunt lists a number of accomplishments he attributes to House GOP leaders over the past two years. Among them are: the defeat of a bill that would have provided health coverage to uninsured kids; support for the surge in Iraq; the prevention of “billions of dollars of frivolous spending” at the hands of the Democrats; the August coup to drum up public support for an expansion of offshore oil drilling; and “an unprecedented number of motions to recommit.”
The third-ranking House Republican, Rep. Adam Putnam (Fla.), resigned his post as conference chairman on Election Day.
