Pence plays down Speaker

of the House speculation

By BILL RICHMOND

City editor

Sixth District Congressman Mike Pence (R- Columbus) Wednesday said that while some Washington D.C.- area newspapers are speculating on whether he is a contender to be the next Speaker of the House, he's just not interested.

"These Washington newspapers love to speculate about the future," Pence said. "I was elected last fall to chair the largest caucus in the Congress, the Republican Study Committee (RSC) and I intend to see that through."

Pence said the RSC recently had a wonderful and modest but meaningful success in budget reform and the speculation is a result of that accomplishment.

"My commitment is to serving the people of Eastern Indiana and trying to lead house conservatives effectively," Pence said. "I have no ambitions beyond that at this time."

Currently in his third Congressional term, Pence- along with Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas)- an RSC member who sits on the House Budget Committee, led last month's fight for a more pared-down budget. Pence is widely credited with standing up for the conservative wing of the party during the budget battle.

While some insiders say Pence's election as Speaker of the House may be a long shot, others are mentioning his name as part of a short list of major players.

Current House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) is expected to resign in 2006 or 2008.

The Speaker acts as leader of the House of Representatives, appointing chairs to preside over the Committee of the Whole, appointing all special or select committees and appointing conference committees. The Speaker determines the legislative agenda for the House and often confers with the president and with the Senate leadership. The Speaker of the House is second in line to succeed the president.