Rep. Dunn Has 100 Votes Lined Up In Push For New House Position

Rep. Jennifer Dunn, R-Wash., said Friday she has the support of 100 House Republicans for a promotion to vice chairwoman of the House GOP conference.

“I am optimistic. That doesn’t mean I’ll win it, but I am getting good responses,” Dunn said during a break in telephoning all 228 House Republicans’ offices.

Rep. Jim Nussle, R-Iowa, is the only announced challenger so far in Dunn’s bid to replace vice chairwoman Rep. Susan Molinari, R-N.Y., who is resigning the No. 6 leadership slot to anchor a Saturday morning news program for CBS.

Dunn, currently in the No. 7 spot as conference secretary, is a close ally of House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., and Nussle has complained that has given her an unfair advantage in the election that will be held July 16. Dunn has indicated she will forgo a run for the Senate seat held by Patty Murray if she wins the party position.