PUTNAM SEEKING HOUSE COMMITTEE CHAIRMANSHIP

The St. Petersburg Times' Washington blog Tales From D.C. is noting that Congressman Adam Putnam (R - Bartow) is ready to "come out of the background", announcing last Friday that he is seeking the chairmanship of the House Republican Policy Committee, which is number five on the GOP leadership ladder. The Lakeland Ledger makes mention of it in today's edition.

The panel has been chaired by Rep. John Shadegg (R - AZ), who is now running for Majority Leader to replace the scandalized Tom DeLay (R - TX). Putnam says he is supporting Roy Blunt (R - MO) for the top GOP race.

This committee was originally envisioned as the main forum to consider forward-looking legislative initiatives, the enunciation of official party policies, and the resolution of interjurisdictional policy disputes.