WHIP UPDATE
Rep. Todd Tiahrt (KS) has gone public -- he is in.
Saying that "our country and our conference are at a crossroad," the Class of '94 Revolutionary has put out a release announcing his bid and laying claim to the outsider's mantle.
Tiahrt: "We can go with the status quo, which could lead down the road to the minority, or we can take a different path. I have concluded our conference must head in a new direction."
Tiahart also includes his first endorsement in the release: V.A. Cmte Chair Steve Buyer (IN).
Ironically, Buyer was installed into his Chairmanship at the start of this Congress by the very leadership team he is now apparently helping challenge.
And speaking of that leadership team, a source close to Chief Dep Whip Eric Cantor (VA) tells The Hotline that they now have 140 votes locked up. Source: "Eric is continuing to work the phone and will not stop until he has the support of the entire Conference."
Stay posted for news on Rep. Mike Rogers (MI) plans.
Tiahrt release in full after the jump:
Tiahrt Announces Bid for Majority Whip
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) today announced his intention to run for the office of Majority Whip in the event Speaker J. Dennis Hastert calls for an election for the position. In a letter to colleagues being distributed on Capitol Hill, Tiahrt states the need for a change in the Speaker's leadership team.
"Our country and our conference are at a crossroad," wrote Tiahrt. "We can go with the status quo, which could lead down the road to the minority, or we can take a different path. I have concluded our conference must head in a new direction."
Tiahrt said he got in the race at the urging of several members who believe the American people are frustrated with the current perception of the Republican Party in Washington, D.C. and want new faces on the leadership team. Tiahrt's experience and proven leadership abilities made him an obvious choice for the position. Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer (R-IN) said Tiahrt is the right person for the Whip job.
"We need a new face on leadership," said Buyer. "I have known Todd Tiahrt for over a decade and he is a strong individual, fair and a very good listener. He is the type of individual that can balance the interest of a nation."
Tiahrt, elected in 1994 when Republicans gained the House majority after nearly 40 years in the minority, has been a member of the whip organization since 1995. He is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.