After U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., lost a primary earlier this month, U.S. House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., quickly moved to replace him. U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., looked to move up to McCarthys spot, successfully winning the post last week.
U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla., was a chief supporter of Scalises bid to become the GOP whip, the third highest official in the U.S. House. Ross was very active on Scalises account, meeting with various congressmen and getting their pledges in the leadership contest.
On Thursday, Scalise rewarded Ross by naming the Florida congressman one of his senior deputy whips.
"I am honored to have the chance to serve as a senior deputy whip," said Ross on Thursday. "Back in 2010, I was brought to Washington to make a change. This is a great opportunity to have a positive impact. I have always worked hard on behalf of Central Floridians to make sure that their voices are heard and that government works better for them. I will continue this effort on behalf of Floridians and all Americans in my added role as senior deputy whip. I am humbled to be recognized as a top leader in my conference and I am excited about this challenge to unify my party and to build consensus so that we can help solve the problems affecting our fellow Americans."
"It is an honor to appoint my colleague Congressman Dennis Ross to the senior deputy whip team," said Scalise. "He brings to the team his invaluable experience and perspective as a small-business owner. I look forward to working with him to unite the Republican conference and move America forward. The senior deputy whip team will ensure that the voices, interests and values of every member are represented at the table. I will work relentlessly with our team to unite our conference and grow the vote. Together we will work to solve our nation's problems for the American people."
Joining Ross in Scalises whip team are U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., as the chief deputy whip with U.S. Reps. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., Aaron Schock, R-Ill., Steve Stivers, R-Ohio, and Ann Wagner, R-Mo., as senior deputy whips.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com.
