Chaffetz, Bishop get leadership positions

Rep.-elect Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, won Thursday one of just three leadership positions available among incoming GOP freshmen, while Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, was elected as the new chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus.

Chaffetz was elected to represent the 21 new GOP freshmen on the House Republican Policy Committee.

"The policy committee is the coordinating point for the Republican voice, the Republican side of the aisle," Chaffetz said. "To be a freshman and be on it is important to Utah, and to me personally."

Besides electing Chaffetz to the policy committee, the GOP freshmen also elected Rep.-elect Steve Austria, R-Ohio, as president of the GOP freshman class, and elected Rep.-elect Greg Harper, R-Miss., to the Republican Steering Committee.

House Republican leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said, "This was an excellent choice by our freshman members. Jason Chaffetz is an energetic new voice in our conference for the principles of fiscal discipline and limited government. In this post, he'll be able to make an immediate impact as House Republicans develop principled solutions to the challenges facing the American people."

Chaffetz added, "My entire candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives was based upon the need to return to core conservative principles. Policy, not big money, is what propelled me to office. I look forward to representing the views of the freshman class."

Meanwhile, Bishop was chosen as the new chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus — replacing outgoing Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, whom Chaffetz defeated in this year's primary election. Bishop had previously been the group's communications and outreach chairman.

Bishop said, "I look forward to serving in a new capacity as we try to defend our rights and western way of life. Chairman Cannon did a great job, and his voice on these issue will be missed. But we will continue to fight the good fight, and work to promote multiple use (of public lands), strengthen local control, secure energy independence, and protect private property."

The caucus has about 50 members from the West, who are interested in such things as defending public land access, private property rights and ensuring that environmental laws do not go to extremes.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my activity so far in the caucus working with like-minded lawmakers to defend the interests of all Westerners," Bishop said.

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E-mail: lee@desnews.com

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