The new chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee is Greg Walden (R-OR), who has been considered a shoo-in candidate for some time now. The good news for broadcasters is the former radio group owner will remain chair of the House Subcommittee on Communications.
Walden won the post by unanimous vote, placing him squarely in the ranks of Repubican leadership in the House – NRCC Chair is said to be one of the top eight posts available. In fact, it is considered to be the #5 position in terms of rank.
“I work hard for the people of southern, central, and eastern Oregon, and this new leadership position allows me to voice the concerns of Oregonians at the decision-making table in Washington, D.C. Since 1986, I have owned and managed a small business in Oregon with my wife. I know what it takes to grow jobs. As NRCC Chairman, I will put my experience to good use to help enact a pro-jobs, pro-growth agenda in the House,” said Walden.
Walden added, “I will continue to reach across the aisle to enact policies that will get us back on track. We must work to promote small business and agriculture, access America’s natural resources, and better manage our forests to create jobs in the woods. As always, I will listen to and work hard for Oregonians.”
As NRCC Chair, Walden’s job is to get more Republicans elected to the House and to re-elect the Republicans that are already there. He has been active in NRCC and takes over the top spot from Pete Sessions (R-TX).
RBR-TVBR observation: The fact that Walden is retaining his gavel at the Subcommittee is good news for broadcasters. In general, broadcasters have to invest money to put advocates on Capitol Hill, and they have to do it from the outside. To have a real, honest-to-goodness broadcaster, with intimate knowledge of the challenges inherent to the business, sitting at the top of one of the most important committees in Congress is priceless.
