Committees Slow to Name Leaders
2010 Election Cycle Stalled
Roll Call Staff
Sessions is expected to send a letter to his colleagues this week outlining his plans for the NRCC, this GOP source said.
Chief among the changes Sessions would make is in recruiting. He believes the recruitment of candidates must include working behind the scenes to clear a primary field for the national party’s preferred candidate, and letting local Republicans know that the committee will not invest in a race if its favored candidate doesn’t emerge with the nomination.
Cole this cycle declined to involve himself in primaries at this elevated level, though he has probably received the most flak on the fundraising front. Here, Sessions would look to emulate the DCCC, which creates programs such as “Red to Blue” and “Frontline” to signal to its donors the candidates it would like them to direct their money to.
Sessions would also like to build a network of regional fundraisers who focus on raising money outside of Washington, D.C. The GOP source familiar with Sessions’ plans said House Republicans typically parachute into a region for one fundraiser, and then leave without really scratching the surface of the available financial support.
“Fundraising [this cycle] was lackluster, and it wasn’t only because of the year,” this Republican said. “One of the things the Democrats are successful at is broadcasting the candidates they support. We need to do more of the same instead of keeping it a secret.”
One Cole loyalist who works off of Capitol Hill said NRCC chairmen have traditionally been elected to two terms, and the individual believes the Oklahoman has earned another two years at the helm.
This Cole ally said the chairman’s supporters could include his colleagues on the Armed Services and Natural Resources committees, as well as Reps. Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Adam Putnam (Fla.), who are stepping down from their positions as Minority Whip and Republican Conference chairman, respectively.
However, the Congressional aide whose boss is supporting Sessions said several Members who voted for Cole last time are not happy with the results of last week’s elections, and will vote for Sessions this time around. In 2006, Cole won the NRCC chairmanship over Sessions on the second ballot after Rep. Phil English (Pa.) dropped out of the running.
Cole’s allies are optimistic, downplaying the grumbling over his stewardship of the NRCC that surfaced last cycle while also claiming that Boehner’s endorsement carries less influence than is assumed.
“He can win because of what he’s been able to accomplish,” the Cole loyalist said. “He made lemonade out of lemons.”
Senate Democrats, meanwhile, are playing the waiting game.
Current DSCC Chairman Charles Schumer (N.Y.) has not revealed whether he would serve an unprecedented third term at the committee. Schumer is up for re-election in 2010, though Empire State Republicans are not expected to target him.
Through a spokesman, Schumer declined to comment on the matter. But Democratic sources say it’s unlikely he would run simultaneously for re-election and continue as DSCC chairman.
Most speculation about the next chairman surrounds Sen. Bob Menendez (N.J.), but the appointment is far from a done deal. Menendez spokesman Afshin Mohamadi would not comment on the Senator’s intentions for the DSCC job, but Senate Democratic sources say Menendez is waiting for word from Schumer before he announces anything.
The decision is in the hands of Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). Unlike the Republican caucus, the Democratic Majority Leader appoints the DSCC chairman without any official input from his colleagues.
Reid spokesman Jim Manley would not comment Friday on when the Majority Leader would announce the DSCC appointment or whom he prefers to take the position. Reid is also up for re-election in 2010, and Republicans are expected to target his race, so whomever he chooses for DSCC chairman could heavily affect his political future.
Schumer Advocates for Many on Panel
Nov. 16, 12 a.m.
As Senate Majority Leader, Lyndon Johnson once said of the Joint Economic Committee, “It’s as useless as tits on a bull.” But as that panel’s chairman during the 110th Congress, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) seized the opportunity to elevate the traditionally low-profile post to the forefront of shaping policy. Read Full Article
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