Blunt Will Seek To Keep Whip Post, With An Assist From Cantor
A source close to Maj Whip Roy Blunt tells The Hotline that the current #3 leader in the House leadership ranks will seek to retain his position in the minority -- and that Chief Dep Min Whip Eric Cantor "will run Mr. Blunt's race for" the job. Per our source, "Cantor has already begun making calls on Blunt's behalf."
Many Hill-watchers had assumed that Blunt would not vye against his "boss" for the Min Whip position, but Blunt is still unlikely to hang onto his post without a fight, whether it is on the right from Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) or another member in the rank-and-file.
On another House leadership front, Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) appears to be intent on mounting a challenge to Maj Leader John Boehner (R) and RSC Chair Mike Pence (R) for the Min Leader position in the new Congress. A House source shares that Barton held a conf call this a.m. with fellow members of his committee and made clear he'd be ready and willing to give up his gavel for an office in the Capitol if the support is there.
[JONATHAN MARTIN]
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