Hensarling’s Campaign To Get A Bigger Bully Pulpit In Republican Study Committee Causes Split In Texas Delegation

Texas’ Republican congressional delegation is split wide open over the candidacy of Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Dallas) to head the Republican Study Committe in anticipation of Wednesday’s elections for the post.

Congressman Sam Johnson (R-Plano), a founding member of the RSC has given his support not to his fellow DWF lawmaker but to his rival, Todd Tiahrt of Kansas.

This does not bode well for Hensarling as no one has ever become chair of the RSC without the support of its founders.

Hensarling, one of a group of RSC members known collectively as the “Young Turks” has risen rapidly in the RSC ranks since he came to congress after defeating Dallas judge Ron Chapman in a hotly contested election in 2002.  Two other founders other than Johnson have endorsed Taihrt.
In a letter Johnson signed, it was noted by the founders:

“By adhering to our bedrock principles, we can and will hold the new leadership accountable for their actions. … Todd possesses the stature, experience and vision necessary to lead this grand caucus,” they wrote.

Evidently Johnson and others realize that Hensarling covets the RSC chairmanship not because of what it is but simply because it is another excuse for the former Phil Gramm staffer to climb the Congressional ranks and make a name for himself, especially in the wake of rumors that Hensarling is considering a run for Senate in 2010.

Part of Hensarling’s problem may be that’s been a little too “political” within the leadership elections. He was a strong supporter of Indiana Congressman Mike Pence who fell way, way short in his bid for minority leader and a supporter of John Shadegg of Arizona, who lost a bid for whip.
Hensarling was Pence’s campaign manager. Pence and Shadegg are both supporting Hensarling. However, inasmuch as many believe the leadership elections are a rejection of the RSC’s tactics, Hensarling’s support from Shadegg and Pence may not do him any good as he is perhaps the most public face of the RSC, using it as a bully pulpit to complain about earmarks and federal spending.

Rep. Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) has joined with Shadegg and Pence in supporting Hensarling.

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