Better watch out, Vern. You'll wind up being President if all these dudes go down.
GRAND RAPIDS -- Congressman Vern Ehlers said he will try to help lift the ethical cloud that hovers over Republicans in accepting the job as acting chairman of the House Administration Committee.
House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Illinois, offered Ehlers the post late Tuesday.
At least temporarily, the Grand Rapids Republican replaces U.S. Rep. Robert Ney, R-Ohio, who Sunday vacated the chairmanship until he is cleared of bribery charges or indicted.
"I think it's something I have to do for the Congress," said Ehlers, previously the second-highest ranked lawmaker on the panel.
Even as he accepted his new position, Ehlers said he remains determined to take the chairmanship of the House Science Committee if it opens next January. Chairman Sherwood Boehlert, R-NY, is expected to step down because of House-imposed term limits.
"I would not let this stand in the way of being chairman of the Science Committee," said Ehlers, a nuclear physicist. "I'll discuss it with the speaker if he'd want me to serve both."
This should stop any rumors of Vern's retirement.
Here's a little tidbit I did not know about Vern until tonight. From Channel 13:
The House Administration Committee is charged with the oversight of federal elections and the day-to-day functions of the House of Representatives. It also has oversight responsibilities over the Library of Congress, the U.S. Botanic Gardens, and the Smithsonian Institution, including the National Zoo, said Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids.
As a member of the committee, Ehlers led a project that resulted in the creation of the Thomas website (thomas.loc.gov), which allowed individuals instant access to all Congressional legislation, personal and committee websites and other key information about the U.S. House of Representatives. The project also led to all Congressional offices being connected to the World Wide Web and being accessible to constituents through the World Wide Web and e-mail.
Not only is he a greenie, he's a nettie, too. Good for you Vern.