On the same day the two contenders to lead the House Financial Services Committee were slated to give their pitch to the Republican Steering Committee, dueling letters of support surfaced for Rep. Ed Royce of California and Rep. Spencer Bachus of Alabama.
David A. Keene, chairman of the American Conservative Union, sent a letter to steering committee members supporting the California Republican, which was posted on the organization's website Tuesday.
In the letter, Keene said current chairman Barney Frank, a Massachusetts Democrat, has already proven to be a "formidable" force in the minority by "getting the Republican chairman in 2005 to join him in opposing any meaningful reforms of the GSEs, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac." The letter said Royce could stand up to Frank while carrying out a conservative agenda.
"It is critical, therefore, that this committee is provided new leadership capable of implementing the pro-active, pro-free market agenda promised during the election campaign. Congressman Ed Royce, who has submitted his name for consideration, was in the forefront of those who fought for GSE reform when it counted, and has the leadership qualities grass-roots conservatives are looking for as part of the new Republican majority," the letter said.
But Bachus also has received some endorsements and is considered to have the upper hand in the race. A letter touting Bachus, who had earlier received endorsements from subcommittee ranking members, surfaced Tuesday from five new members of the Steering Committee, including Reps. Leonard Lance, Eric Paulsen, Christopher Lee, Bill Posey, and Lynn Jenkins.
"Ranking member Bachus is a political force who has dedicated his time and efforts to building this new majority," the letter said.
