I just got this email from the Pence office:

WASHINGTON, DC—US Congressman Mike Pence announced his candidacy today for House Republican Conference Chairman for the 111th Congress. Pence informed his colleagues of his intentions via the attached “Dear Colleague” letter. Excerpts below:

“As we choose who will lead us in the days ahead, it is essential that we learn the lessons of 2006 and 2008 with an eye toward 2010. We must be forward thinking, develop winning conservative strategies and communicate them effectively to the American people.”

***

“If you elect me as your new Chairman, I would take a page from the playbook of President Ronald Reagan who taught us that it is not enough to believe great things, we must effectively communicate great things to the American people.”

In addition, Pence received the following endorsements:

Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH)

“Mike Pence is a gifted communicator and a principled conservative who played a key role in helping House Republicans win the energy issue this year, an effort I believe must serve as a model for our Conference as we build a majority coalition issue by issue. I’ve encouraged Mike to run for the job of Conference Chairman because there is no one in our ranks who does a better job of articulating the GOP message of freedom and smaller government, and he’s also proven himself to be a team player with the ability to bring our members together. We need him at the leadership table in the 111th Congress.”

RSC Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)

“The Conference Chairman is responsible for the message and communications effort of the Republican Conference. House Republicans have no better communicator or Member with communications expertise than Mike Pence. He is one of the most respected conservative leaders within our conference and the nation and I am proud to call him my friend. I am even prouder to support him as our next Conference Chair.

“Mike Pence was always my first choice for this position; I asked him to run several times, and pending his final decision I was prepared to run for Conference Chair should he have chosen not to. If we are to begin the process of rebuilding a bigger, better, and stronger Republican Conference, we must make decisions based upon the good of the team rather than ourselves. I believe that Mike Pence will make an excellent Conference Chairman and will make all House Republicans proud.”

U.S. Congressman Steve LaTourette (R-OH)

“If there’s one thing I constantly hear back home from Republicans it’s, ‘When are you guys going to start telling your story?’ From working with Mike Pence on the ‘Stolen Vote’ issue, I firmly believe he’s the guy that can message the Conference back to the Majority.”

U.S. Congressman Devin Nunes (R-CA)

“With his background in broadcasting, Mike has the experience and talents needed to effectively communicate our conference’s goals and ideals. He brings a strong work ethic and will meet the challenges of the job with unquestionable integrity.”

It’s time for Mike Pence to have a high-profile leadership post. He was the driving force behind the House GOP oil party this summer. His conservative credentials are impeccable. He’s a man of integrity.

That’s all that needs to be said, isn’t it?

Technorati Tags: Mike Pence, Jeb Hensarling, John Boehner, Conservatism, GOP

Cross-posted at LetFreedomRingBlog

1. I’m having a lot of difficulty squaring the reaction of conservative blogs like this one and Dr. Melissa with Mike Pence’s desire to become a member of GOP leadership in the House. Isn’t he the guy that, during the heated debate over amnesty, popped up to support the Kennedy-McCain concept of giving illegals a fast-track to citizenship?

   If I’m wrong please correct me.

   Comment by Frank — November 6, 2008 @ 3:44 pm