RSC Clout Grows, Tests Boehner’s Leadership

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RSC Clout Grows, Tests Boehner’s Leadership
By Alan K. Ota, CQ Staff


In what may be a preview of internal clashes to come, conservatives are pushing House Minority Leader John A. Boehner to change the way he handles his job.

The Republican Study Committee (RSC), the largest House GOP faction, wants Boehner to start basing strategy decisions on formal votes of the entire caucus — in effect, turning control of minority party strategy over to the rank and file.

RSC members argue that in the face of three special-election losses, internal votes to decide caucus direction would provide a needed jolt of energy.

Senior GOP lawmakers, aides and lobbyists on K Street say the RSC’s demands will be tested in the near future in a showdown meeting of the full GOP Conference.

The meeting is being held at the request of more than 50 House Republicans.

Jeb Hensarling of Texas, the RSC’s soft-spoken chairman, said the group’s goal is not to embarrass Boehner, R-Ohio, but to steer the caucus in a more conservative direction.

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