Rep. Marlin Stutzman Makes His Pitch for Whip

As the race for House Majority Whip fast approaches, Indiana Rep. Marlin Stutzman Monday made a pitch to House Republicans for support.

In a “Dear Colleague” letter obtained by the Washington Examiner, Stutzman wrote that as a “fourth generation farmer and small business owner” he looks for ways to improve processes and made four pledges:

Pledge #1 – A commitment to regular order.

Pledge #2 – Advance Whip Notifications – Ensuring that you are aware, in advance, of a whip check, including relevant information, so that you have time to prepare.

Pledge #3 – Members will be provided timely copies of the bill text of any substantive replacement manager’s amendment brought to the Floor for a vote.

Pledge #4 – Empowering members on local issues. As one of the first points of contact with leadership, the Whip office will be approachable; serving you in a way that allows you to effectively serve your constituents. Communication must flow freely in both directions between members and leadership.

Stutzman is considered to be a relative long-shot in the race for House majority whip – a position that will likely be vacated if odds-on favorite Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy meets expectations and wins the race for House majority leader.

Stutzman is facing Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Chief Deputy Whip Peter Roskam (R-IL).

The Indiana lawmaker is, however, making a hard bid for the job and has some arguing that his presence could take the whip election to a second ballot.

In his call for support, Stutzman, who came to Congress during the 2010 Tea Party wave, pointed to his work with Gov. Mitch Daniels when he served as Assistant Whip in the Indiana House.

“Under Governor Daniels, I was part of a team offering creative, transparent and bold leadership decisions that got results. I would bring that same approach as your Majority Whip,” he wrote.

According to counts relayed to several news outlets Stutzman has about 50 votes in his corner, currently below the 117 necessary for victory.

Overall, in his Monday missive requesting support, Stutzman wrote that he is the best man for the job, will encourage unity in the party, and noted that one of his motivations is a promise he made to his son on September 11, 2001 for a secure America.

“My goal is to serve our Conference in such a way, that whenever the status quo changes, we are well prepared, able to adjust and ready to lead,” he wrote. “I’m running because I see the potential to fine-tune our process; to make it leaner and more effective in passing good legislation. I’m running because I have the experience and knowledge to improve the inner-workings of our Conference. I’m running because on September 11, 2001 I promised my three-week-old son a better, more secure America, and I see a way forward that will help me keep that promise.”