Former radio station group owner Greg Walden (R-OR) has been named chairman of the Republican leadership, a party role that has been vacant since 2005. At the same time, he is at least temporarily leaving the place from which he does radio the most good – the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
According to an article in CQ Politics, Walden is a close friend of Pete Sessions (R-TX), a key member of the House Republican leadership team, and has often been used by Sessions as a resource. Other members, including Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) were said to have been impressed with Walden’s intellect and his political instincts, and want him at the leadership table to work on matters of policy and campaigning.
His willingness to work as a team player was also noted, particularly his willingness to step down from the Commerce Committee (something no other member was willing to do) to make room for Parker Griffith (R-AL), who just crossed over from the Democratic side of the aisle.
For those in the broadcasting business who are already missing Walden’s voice on that critical committee, there is good news. Walden will retain his seniority there and expects to return to it next January.
RBR-TVBR observation: We’ve noted that broadcast legislative issues often cut across party lines. Walden’s laid-back and thoughtful style makes him an excellent person to lay out a radio operator’s perspective in an environment where votes are available on and needed from both sides of the aisle.
