Leading conservative to stay in House

From Erick Erickson at RedState this afternoon comes word that Rep. Mike Pence (R – IN 6) will continue to serve in the House of Representatives.

Pence, the third-ranking Republican in House leadership, decided against running against vulnerable Democratic Senator Evan Bayh, leaving “several (other) capable and qualified candidates” to vie for the GOP nod.

In a letter to supporters, Pence noted that:

As many of you are aware, I have been approached about running for the United States Senate in 2010. Karen and I have been humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement which we received from across Indiana, especially since there are several capable and qualified candidates already seeking the Republican nomination.

After much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to remain in the House and to seek reelection to the 6th Congressional District in 2010.

I am staying for two reasons. First because I have been given the responsibility to shape the Republican comeback as a member of the House Republican Leadership and, second, because I believe Republicans will win back the majority in the House of Representatives in 2010.

(snip)

As a Republican leader, I have the opportunity to shape the policy and strategy that will return a Republican majority to the Congress in 2010. So my duty is here, in the House, serving my constituents and my colleagues as we fight to restore a conservative majority to the Congress of the United States. I am not going to leave my post when the fate of the House hangs in the balance. My place is here, in that fight, with the brave men and women who will be winning that victory for the American people.

 I also am staying because I believe we will win back the majority in the House of Representatives in 2010, and I am excited to be a part of it. While the opportunity to serve in the United States Senate is significant, I believe the best chance this nation has to restore fiscal discipline, common sense and common values to Washington, D.C., is for conservatives to retake the House in 2010. When we win back the House, we will make history and we will have the power to stop the big government plans of this administration and to steer our nation to a more secure, free and prosperous future.

As most of my readers know, Pence is one of my favorite conservatives and has lent much-needed support and credibility to the TEA Party movement – he was one of the few members of Congress to speak at the 9-12 event in Washington and similar subsequent gatherings.

While optimism in politics is somewhat of a parlor game, the chances of a GOP takeover of the House are increasing as retirements from the Democratic ranks mount. Add in the anti-incumbent sentiment among voters enraged with “business as usual” in Washington, D.C. and Pence, who should have little trouble being re-elected in a rural district which runs along the Ohio line between Fort Wayne and Cincinnati, obviously likes his chances of keeping his leadership post as a member of the majority party once again.

Author: Michael

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