Posted on 03/06/2006 1:09:58 PM PST by SmithL
A fight to replace Assembly Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is raging full force, with six candidates jockeying for position, burning up the phone lines and twisting arms.
The dominoes are lined up: If Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Bakersfield, retires from Congress this year, McCarthy will announce that he's running for the seat held by his mentor. McCarthy will then launch his campaign and, in coming weeks, step aside as GOP Assembly chief.
McCarthy would be replaced by Sacramento Assemblyman Roger Niello, a fast-rising neophyte, or by George Plescia of La Jolla, Rick Keene of Chico, Sharon Runner of Lancaster, Mimi Walters of Laguna Niguel or Bill Maze of Visalia.
McCarthy doesn't hide his aspirations.
"If Mr. Thomas retires, I'll run for his seat," he said frankly.
McCarthy has blessed the behind-the-scenes jockeying to succeed him, and he's openly speculating about when to give up his large office suite.
"A lot of (colleagues) would like me to stay on until the budget is over, but with (a congressional) campaign going on, I'm not sure I could do that," he said.
Here's the rub:
Thomas, 64, who by House rules must step down after this year as chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, has called a news conference for today to announce his plans. His office declined comment last week.
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
"Thomas has announced his retirement."
Congressman Bill Thomas to Retire
The Tribune - San Luis Obispo ^
Posted on 03/06/2006 10:10:07 AM PST by ElkGroveDan
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Republican Rep. Bill Thomas, the powerful and mercurial chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced Monday he will retire from Congress after this year. . . .
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