A group of House Republicans will be meeting behind closed doors this week to choose the new chairmen of a number of committees. One of the most important races will determine who succeeds John Kasich as Budget Committee chairman. Seeking the top job are Saxby Chambliss, Jim Nussle, Nick Smith, and John Sununu (son of the former New Hampshire governor). Smart money says the top two are Chambliss and Nussle.
Chambliss has been serving as the committee's vice chairman and functioned as chairman for much of the past two years -- first while Kasich was running for president and, later, when Kasich was focusing on his post-congressional career (he did not seek reelection). Chambliss also enjoys good relations with the Appropriations Committee -- a famously difficult bunch -- and raised $ 500,000 for his colleagues this year. (Nussle, despite sitting on the Ways and Means Committee, where members are showered with campaign contributions, raised just $ 151,000.)
Nussle, famous for once appearing on the House floor with a paper bag over his head, has been trying to boost his prospects by telling colleagues, and reporters, that he's the most senior member of the committee. He's not; that distinction belongs to Nick Smith. Still, if House speaker Denny Hastert blesses Nussle, it will be because of seniority and would mark a return to pre-Newt traditions in the House.