California Representative Dan Lungren to Challenge for GOP House Leadership

Former California Attorney General and Sacramento area Congressman Dan Lungren has decided to challenge Representative John Boehner for the House GOP minority leader post.

Rep. Dan Lungren announced Friday that he will challenge Rep. John Boehner for House Republican leader.
 
Lungren (Calif.) is considered a longshot to unseat Boehner (Ohio), who moved quickly after last week’s election to shore up support in the GOP Conference.

The 62-year-old Californian earlier this week indicated he was weighing a bid, but some on Capitol Hill believed he would not opt to challenge Boehner because he lacks the votes.

Furthermore, successful leadership bids are usually announced right after an election. Lungren waited 10 days to make his announcement, which he made in a “Dear Colleague” letter.

Lungren hopes to tap into member frustration with the state of the party, and its huge losses in the last two elections.

After House Republicans lost 30 seats in 2006, Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) challenged Boehner but was easily defeated, 168-27.

Dan Lungren is a far better spokesman for the GOP than Boehner can EVER hope to be. And, look at Boehner’s track record – a loss of 50 plus GOP seats in the House.

Time for a change and Lungren can lead the charge.

Dan Lungren:

“It is my belief that it is neither in the interest of our party or the advancement of our conservative principles to simply affirm the status quo by acclamation in light of what happened on November 4th,” Lungren said.

The election for the GOP House leadership will be next week.

Stay tuned…..