Scalise and McMorris Rodgers, House GOP leaders in waiting

Rep. Dennis Ross emailed colleagues today to say he is exploring a run for Majority Whip amid the openings brought by House Speaker John Boehner’s resignation.

The 13-term Ohio Republican shocked his GOP caucus early Friday morning when he announced his decision in a closed-door session.

In a stunning move, House Speaker John Boehner informed Republicans that he would step down at the end of October.

“…This is not a contrived announcement of a leadership campaign, but instead a honest attempt to prompt this conversation so we can guard against recurring issues leading to the same challenges that have led to this significant turn of events”. He has largely moved past a brief scandal that erupted late previous year when it was revealed he had in 2002, while a state lawmaker, spoken to members of a white supremacist group linked to David Duke.

Roskam needs the backing of 50 House Republicans to call the meeting. “In fact, when you look across the spectrum, the Republicans and Democrats that have either worked with me or against me know that those things that were said aren’t even true and I denounce racism or any kind of bigotry”.

Political analysts expect McMorris Rodgers to seek the Majority Leader position now held by California Republican Kevin McCarthy.

The letter says they’ve all had time to “search in our hearts why we arer here and how we can be more effective in this cause that unites us”.

Sources close to Washington’s congressional delegation said Friday that McMorris Rodgers is working on a possible bid for the No. 2 position in the House. House Republicans have not yet announced when the leadership elections will take place. Aside from Roskam and McMorris Rodgers, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and House Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-Ga.) are also gearing up to run for the majority leader slot.

“In short, my boss is interested in making sure that the gravity of what has just happened – a sitting Speaker of the House stepping down in an effort to heal internal party division – is met with the thoughtful consideration of the Members outside of the jockeying of leadership elections”.