Thoughts on a potential Shadegg leadership slot

Townhall ^ | 2-16-06 | Tim Chapman

[Gipper08]

In my column this morning I wrote about behind the scenes talk on Capitol Hill about potentially adding John Shadegg to the House leadership in an unelected, informal position. Clearly, from my column you can tell that I think those on the Hill who are pushing this idea are on to something.

While some of the Red State team are gung ho on the idea, Blanton is not so sure:

Make no mistake about it -- I engaged on behalf of Shadegg with zeal. But part of me thinks this is a bit like what the left did with Howard Dean -- he lost, but they demanded a role for him. While that is an extreme example, a number of us think that Shadegg can be more influential on the outside of leadership. My personal belief is that Shadegg inside leadership would have to compromise more than if he were on the outside and, even on the outside, will maintain strong influence because of his kingmaker role.

Blanton is right. If those who are considering this idea are doing so out of bitterness and sour grapes, then it is a bad one. But I don't think that is what is going on here.

Bringing Shadegg on board should be more about embracing conservative, reform-minded backbenchers than it should be about rewarding Shadegg as a King maker. If this is just some sort of consolation prize then forget it...that is just plain silly and a waste of everyone's time.

No, this has to be about good policy and good government. Leadership has to see this as a win for them. They would have to want to have a guy like Shadegg in the room to help them churn out good, solid, first-principles Republican policy. If leadership wants that, and they ask Shadegg to come on board as a lieutenant, understanding that he represents a significant reform-minded faction of the caucus, then they have added value to their overall leadership team. In that case, they are a more wholistic team -- better equipped to lead the House Republican caucus.

One final point...I would argue that Shadegg does not have more influence on the outside than he would in this scenario. The role of the outside conservative reformer is a role that the Chairman of the RSC, Mike Pence, fills better than anybody. There may not be room for two such figures -- one of them has to be the leader. And in this case, Pence is.

Because Shadegg did the honorable thing and gave up his Policy Committee Chairmanship when he ran for Majority Leader, he is now a rank and file member without a platform. Of course, he still is a leader and a champion to many conservatives, but his influence has been somewhat diminished.