Blunt gives up No. 2 GOP leadership role

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By S.A. Miller

House Minority Whip Roy Blunt said Thursday morning he will give up his leadership post, clearing the way for Rep. Eric Cantor to take over the No. 2 spot in House Republican leadership.

"I've enjoyed it. I've liked being in the middle of things," Mr. Blunt, a Missouri Republican, told reporters. "Now somebody else can bring a new bag of tricks on to the floor."

He gave a nod to his expected successor, Mr. Cantor, saying the Virginia Republican "has done a great job. He's been a good partner in our efforts."

The whip's job is to count noses and corral House Republicans' votes on key issues. Mr. Blunt has held the job since taking over when former Rep. Tom DeLay became Republicans' House leader in 2003.

Mr. Cantor has been Mr. Blunt's chief deputy since then, and his ascent was expected once Mr. Blunt gave up the reins.

Mr. Blunt said he wrote himself a letter in January 2007, after Republicans lost the majority to the Democrats, that spelled out his intention to recapture the majority in 2008 or else step aside as minority whip. He opened the letter Wednesday, he said.

"I think my instincts two years ago were right," Mr. Blunt told reporters at an informal press conference at his Capitol offices.

He said he would return to the Energy and Commerce Committee, where he plans to have a significant role in the energy debate promised by President-elect Barack Obama.

"We're in a totally new environment now," he said of the dawn of complete Democratic rule in Washington. During his tenure, he said, House Republicans enjoyed 10 years in the majority and two years in the minority but with the resources of President Bush.

"Now we are probably back to our principles," Mr. Blunt said. "That's the only resource we have left."