The GOP Can't Find Someone to Step Up?

Despite the dark, ominous cloud of scandal hanging above John Doolittle's head these days, according to Whitney's story in today's Sac Bee, he may escape a challenge to his low-level House leadership position:

It appears that Rep. John Doolittle will get to keep his House leadership position, avoiding what could have been a costly price for his connections to disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, congressional sources said Tuesday.

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As of Tuesday, however, they were far short of the 50 signatures needed to succeed by petition. Lungren said Tuesday that his group will try another avenue Wednesday at a closed conference meeting by proposing a motion to open the election.

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In addition, no one has stepped forward to say they'd run for conference secretary if the seat were declared open to challenge. The position is the lowest wrung [sic] on the House leadership ladder.

All this talk of reforming congress by the Repubs is just talk. Big surprise.