After leadership loss, where to now for Pence?
At first glance Mike Pence’s 168-27-1 loss in this month’s House leadership elections may look like a significant political setback. But a little history might be good for some perspective.
Recall that in Nov. 2002 the upstart Harold Ford challenged Nancy Pelosi for minority leader and lost by a similar margin: 177-29. By all accounts, Ford’s bid for Minority Leader was a longshot as he challenged Pelosi under similar premises as Pence challenged Boehner: giving Democrats a more conservative alternative and new direction for the party as well as a TV and media friendly face to bring them back to the majority.
Even though Ford was soundly defeated, it didn’t hurt his reputation, especially in Tennessee, as the leadership election was viewed as an Inside the Beltway vote. In fact, some argue it helped get Ford even more national exposure and made him the odds-on favorite to gain his party’s nomination for a statewide run later. Four years later he did end up mounting a very strong bid to become the first African American Senator from the South since Reconstruction and almost pulled it off.
Now Ford is out of office, but don’t be surprised when the ambitious young Democrat comes back in a big way.
Like Ford, Pence’s stock has gone nowhere but up in his home state. The Indy Star:
His loss in a House leadership race could still provide a long-term gain for U.S. Rep. Mike Pence.
The Indiana Republican didn’t come close in his bid to be House minority leader, losing to Ohio Rep. John Boehner by a 158-27 vote. But the favorable attention Pence received in his race could play well for several options in his future, including a run for statewide office for U.S. senator or governor.
Unlike Ford, Pence still has his seat in Congress from which he can continue to practice the optimistic brand of Reagan conservatism that has won him praise in many circles.
As Pence’s stock continues to rise at home in Indiana and across the country, watch for the young conservative to make a move towards a state-wide run. Over the next six years it is likely that Pence will have the option to run either for Senate or for Governor. In either race he would be extremely competitive.
Should he win statewide…you know where the talk goes from there.
November 28th, 2006 at 3:13 pm
Mike,
Just keep up the good work.
November 28th, 2006 at 3:56 pm
Wonderful blog entry, Tim!
There is no doubt that Congressman Pence’s star was not diminished in any way by this vote. In fact, his running for Minority Leader has made him a household name throughout the country, and for good reason.
It has been no secret that Senator Luger is drawing near the twilight of his years in the Senate. Coupled with the fact that there is no one with the exposure Mike Pence has garnered throughout Indiana, first as a radio talk show host, then as Congressman, and now as a national celebrity. All these things combine to make him the front-runner to be Luger’s successor.
Interestingly, looking for a run for the Presidency in 2008, Senator Allen was taking a very hard look at Mike to be his running mate. What a shame the Senator lost his re-election bid…but then again, how many Vice-Presidents go on to become Presidents? And that’s where Congressman Pence will obviously land some day.
November 28th, 2006 at 10:56 pm
I hope he runs for Senate. Coburn could use some back-up.
November 28th, 2006 at 11:45 pm
As an Indiana resident, I confidently say…WOOHOO!!
Though, I would rather see him take over for Bayh in a Senate run. Lugar’s seat will no doubt stay Republican when he retires. He is the most popular politician in state history, and he will have much sway in who takes over for him.
November 29th, 2006 at 8:46 am
Would have been great had you won but a long shot.
Know it will be only get better from here.
November 30th, 2006 at 5:23 pm
Disagree w/him running for Senate. If he truly has Presidential aspirations, he should run for Governor of Indiana, not Senator.
Remember the old maxim, look to the Governors for the Presidency.
Pence has his time in Congress. Let him get some EXECUTIVE experience—a 1 or better yet 2 term governor of Indiana would make his resume look handsome.
Senator? Blah….yeah, probably better than his current position. Or, as some cabinet secretary in the next Republican administration.