Blunt Claims Victory
Majority Whip Roy Blunt issued a release mid-day Saturday claiming to have 117 commits, one more than necessary to win the Majority leader position on the first ballot. From Blunt's "victory declaration":
"I've counted a lot of votes in my seven years in the Whip's office, and this was a well-fought fight on all sides. John Boehner is a great congressman and a good friend. My friend John Shadegg is bringing an important focus to the final days of this race. I look forward to working with both of them as we achieve great results for the American people."
Boehner's team followed up with a release challenging Blunt to vacate his current leadership post now if he's so sure he's got 117 votes.
Remember, it's a secret ballot and the only commits we believe count are the ones made public. And Blunt does not have 117 public commits.
If Blunt is sure of victory, then he should resign immediately as whip. After all, if he has the votes, then there's no risk of losing his position in leadership.
If he doesn't resign as whip and allow a full election, then I think it's safe for everyone to assume he's full of it.
Furthermore, given the recent ANWR and budget reconciliation debacles in the House, he doesn't appear to be very killed at counting votes.
I'm guessing Rep. Ron Paul will back Shadegg as well.