House Republicans elect new leadership team. Stalwarts Pence and Sessions highlight a more conservative group

http://republicanleader.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=105988

Ohio Congressman John Boehner remains the Republican leader, but the makeup of the rest of the team suggests an ideological shift to the right. New Conference Chairman Indiana Congressman Mike Pence has been an outspoken voice for fiscal responsibility and smaller government--sometimes putting him at odds with his own party.

Boehner showed some fight during debate on the bailout package. He stood strong with other House Republicans as the only real opposition to the original bailout legislation. This group was successful in stripping obscure language from the bill that would have handed 20% of any profits gained from the acquisition of "high risk" assets to ACORN. They also held their ground in removing an amendment Senator Harry Reid tried to sneak through that would have extended the ban on shale oil exploration.

I'm hopeful this leadership team will keep it up and actually provide opposition when appropriate.

Here's how the new team breaks down:

Republican Leader: Rep. John Boehner (R-OH)
Republican Whip: Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
Conference Chairman: Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN)
Policy Committee Chairman: Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI)
Conference Vice-Chair: Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
Conference Secretary: Rep. John Carter (R-TX)
NRCC Chairman: Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX)

Newt Gingrich speaks in Indy: Two things needed to win elections

http://www.indystar.com/article/20081107/NEWS0502/811070458



Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich spoke before the Indiana Chamber of Commerce last week. It was his first major speech after the 2008 election. Acording to the Indianapolis Star, Gingrich articulated two keys that should be taken to heart for future campaigns.



1) Incumbents must govern well in order to be re-elected. Elected officials must follow through on campaign promises and need to stay true to their core vision and values.



2) A well-oiled campaign organization, complete with a strong and enthusiastic ground game is critical in winning elections.



The Republican Party should take note in selecting strong candidates and providing a network of support in order to recoup the losses sustained over the past few election cycles.

I think they're getting the hint

Do I sense a real fundamental change ahead for the loyal opposition? Here's a quote from the Politico:

Already Tuesday night, angry conservatives hinted of retaliation against their party leaders.

"Republicans suffered very serious setbacks in the last two years in both the Senate and the House," said Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), a thorn in McConnel's side for months. "We have got to clean up, reform and rebuild the Republican Party before we can ask Americans to trust us again. This must begin with either a change of command at the highest levels or our current leaders must embrace a bold new direction."

"Republicans must admit the Wall Street bailouts were a trillion-dollar bust, and immediately fight for free-market solutions that create jobs and increase freedom," DeMint said. "This election reflects a failure of Republicans to keep their conservative promises."

To paraphrase a wise man: "It only took 50 lost Congressional seats, the loss of the presidency and an approval rating in the teens and I changed at the snap of a finger."