The Blog

Off to the Races

3:25 PM, Nov 5, 2008 • By MARY KATHARINE HAM
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Baseball season is over, but inside baseball season is just beginning.

Florida Rep. Adam Putnam announced today that he will relinquish his post as House Republican Conference chairman. Putnam's departure as the third-ranking Republican leader in the House, opens the door to Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling.

Sen. Mitch McConnell and Rep. John Boehner are looking to keep their positions as minority leaders in the Senate and House, respectively, but Boehner will likely face some opposition.

Sen. John Kyl (R-Ariz.) is thought to be safe in the Whip position, and Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) will keep his conference chair.

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) is running for the No. 5 spot in the Senate, conference vice-chairman, while Sessions, Burr, and Murkowski are also considering the post.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) will run for head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and Norm Coleman will be his likely opponent after a recount in the Minnesota race.

Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) will leave his NRSC spot for Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's Republican Policy Committee slot, as she ponders a run for Texas governor in 2010.

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