Musgrave Wants Appropriations, But Who Doesn't?

by: Colorado Pols

Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 15:41:55 PM MST

Rep. Marilyn Musgrave's (R-Colo.) entrance into the contentious battle for the open Appropriations Committee seat pits the House campaign committee chairman against two of his most vulnerable members.

Musgrave's decision to jump into the race, first reported by TheHill.com on Tuesday, has deepened the dilemma facing House Republican leaders - who will attract criticism with any decision they make.

Musgrave and Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Wash.), who is also seeking the seat, are members of the Regaining Our Majority Program (ROMP), a National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) fundraising effort that is geared toward retaining members who sit in targeted districts.

There are currently 17 members who benefit from ROMP's fundraising efforts.

NRCC Chairman Tom Cole's (Okla.) decision to run for the open seat has ruffled feathers inside and outside the Capitol. Some Republicans believe that the coveted seat should go to a vulnerable member of the conference, while other GOP officials and groups are pushing for earmark foe Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.)

D'oh! Musgrave is running against the guy who she needs to help fund her re-election bid? It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Cole reportedly wants the seat so he can use it to help raise money for the NRCC, which trails the DCCC in fundraising.