You know, Joe Lieberman's status wasn't the only thing being decided today:
The Senate Republican Conference on Tuesday elected U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, to serve as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Cornyn will lead the committee for the 2010 election cycle.
Cornyn's job will be to prevent
further losses:
In his new role, Cornyn will have to oversee a coming election cycle in which Republicans could stand to weather further losses. Among GOPers whose 2010 races are shaping up as potential nailbiters are Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida, Sen. Jim Bunning of Kentucky, and Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire.
Let the next season begin! Press release is below, along with a list of Senate seats up for election or reelection in 2010.
Cornyn's selection, BTW, was apparently unanimous. Maybe nobody else wanted the job?
"I am honored by the confidence my Republican colleagues have placed in me to serve as the next Chairman of the NRSC. This is a critical time for Republicans in the Senate and across the country, particularly as Democrats stand on the doorstep of a super-majority in the Congress. If that is allowed to happen, the Democratic Congress will have unchecked authority to raise taxes, diminish our military’s readiness, and continue Washington’s unaccountable spending spree. We must have checks and balances because the American people deserve accountability from Washington now more than ever. To that end, I will continue to do whatever I can in the days ahead to help our Republican candidates emerge victorious in the outstanding Senate races.
"At the same time, I intend to hit the ground running and start laying the ground work with my colleagues for Republican victories in 2010. We must ensure our Party has the candidates and the financial resources to effectively communicate our positive vision for our country. There is simply no time to waste, and I will work as hard as possible in my capacity as NRSC Chair to help move our Party forward.
Sen. Cornyn also announced today that Rob Jesmer will serve as Executive Director of the NRSC. Jesmer, who managed Sen. Cornyn’s strong re-election victory in Texas earlier this month, is a seasoned political operative with an extensive background managing and consulting in Republican races across the country. Prior to his most recent position, Jesmer served as a Regional Political Director for the Southeast Region at the Republican National Committee for the 2006 election cycle, Chief of Staff to Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL) and as National Field Director for the National Republican Congressional Campaign Committee for the 2002 election cycle.
"I am very impressed with the political acumen, intelligence and work ethic that Rob displayed in managing my recent re-election victory. Those qualities, coupled with his extensive leadership experience working on campaigns across the country, will be an invaluable asset for the NRSC moving forward," Sen. Cornyn said.
Seats up in 2010:
Evan Bayh - D, IN
Robert Bennett - R, UT
Christopher Bond - R, MO
Barbara Boxer - D, CA
Sam Brownback - R, KS
Jim Bunning - R, KY
Richard Burr - R, NC
Tom Coburn - R, OK
Mike Crapo - R, ID
Jim DeMint - R, SC
Christopher Dodd - D, CT
Byron Dorgan - D, ND
Russell Feingold - D, WI
Chuck Grassley - R, IA
Judd Gregg - R, NH
Daniel Inouye - D, HI
Johnny Isakson - R, GA
Patrick Leahy - D, VT
Blanche Lincoln -D, AR
Mel Martinez - R, FL
John McCain - R, AZ
Barbara Mikulski - D, MD
Lisa Murkowski - R, AK
Harry Reid - D, NV
Ken Salazar - D, CO
Chuck Schumer - D, NY
Arlen Specter - R, PA
John Thune - R, SD
David Vitter - R, LA
George Voinovich - R, OH
Ron Wyden - D, OR