Hastert Departure Sparks Subcommittee Changes

Rep. Dennis Hastert's (R-Ill.) early resignation from the House opens up a top subcommittee slot on the Energy and Commerce Committee that will spark a musical chairs of sorts on that A-list committee.

Rep. Fred Upton let Hastert take over as the top Republican on the energy subcommittee when the former speaker returned to Energy and Commerce earlier this year, so most folks believe the Michigan Republican will assume the top GOP spot when Hastert's departure becomes official.

The intrigue comes in who replaces Upton as the top Republican on the telecommunications subcommittee. Florida Rep. Cliff Stearns has the seniority to assume that post, but some members and outside lobbyists are angling for Illinois Rep. John Shimkus in the belief he has contributed more money to the GOP's campaign committee in the House and has worked harder for the party.

Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) has no plans to get involved in that decision, one senior leadership aide said, meaning Texas Rep. Joe Barton has the sole authority to name Upton's replacement. (Asked last week whether he had consulted with leadership about the decision, Barton argued that it was his to make since subcommittee spots are one of the few prerogatives a ranking member has in the minority.)

The eventual decision could reverberate on the committee as a whole, particularly if Barton has to wage another race for chairman in the event that Republicans ever regain the majority.