House Majority Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri claimed today in a press release that he has enough votes to replace Rep. Tom DeLay as House Majority leader, RAW STORY has learned.
Blunt announced that he had obtained "the support of more than the 117 Members of the House Republican Conference," which would be one more than half of the total possible votes, and compliments his two competitors--Ohio's Rep. John Boehner and Arizona's John Shadegg--for "a well-fought fight."
Roll Call reported that Boehner isn't conceding anything yet. "This will be a long campaign, leading up to a secret ballot election," Boehner said. "If the claims by Roy's campaign are true, then it is in the best interest of the Republican Conference for him to follow Congressman Shadegg's example and step aside from his post to allow a full and open race for the Whip's position." (subscription required link).
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Shadegg stepped down as chairman of the Republican Policy Committee on Friday when he entered the race, and indirectly urged Blunt to do likewise.
There is some concern within the GOP about the pasts of both Blunt and Boehner since both collected campaign donations from Abramoff-related sources (link). Unlike most in Washington, Boehner has refused to return his or donate them to charity. Also, Blunt is a Tom DeLay disciple.
The following is a copy of the press release released by Blunt's office:
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House Majority Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) today announced that he has the support of more than the 117 Members of the House Republican Conference required to win the post of House Majority Leader.
"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," Blunt said. "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."
"As I've talked with Members of our conference this week, we've discussed our party's vision for a freer, safer and more prosperous America," Blunt continued. "Our reform-minded majority will regain the trust of the American people and promote the common sense principles of smarter, not bigger government that is accountable to the people who send us here."
"The healthy debate we're having this month will strengthen us," Blunt concluded.
