Despite my best efforts, and those of other conservative bloggers, John Shadegg lost the Majority Leader race this week. Now that Shadegg has given up his post as chair of the Republican Policy Committee, what does the future hold in store for him?
Shadegg gave up his position as chair of the Republican Policy Committee to focus on the leadership race; it’s a decision he doesn’t regret. His staffers say that in the coming months he will use the publicity he has gotten from this race to push for the big reforms — like changing the outdated federal budget process — that he put at the heart of his campaign.
This is encouraging. As majority leader, Shadegg would be restrained by multiple priorities, including building strategy around the 2006 elections. As a congressman with no other portfolio but the voice of conservative reform, he will be freer to push specific agendas that advance the conservative cause.
