Three Homeland Security panel members mull run for chairmanship

The race to become the next House Homeland Security chairman began to accelerate Wednesday with three GOP panel members publicly mulling the job.

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Don Young, R-Alaska, and Republican Reps. Peter King of New York and John Linder of Georgia said they are considering running for the slot if the Senate confirms current Homeland Security Chairman Christopher Cox, R-Calif., to serve as the next Securities and Exchange Commission chief.

The three lawmakers would have to make their case to GOP leaders and the Steering Committee after Cox resigns his post and House seat, which depends on how quickly, and if, the Senate moves to vote on the nomination.

Young, who adamantly fought against making the Homeland Security panel permanent, Wednesday touted his experience and expertise on security issues. "I've handled most of the security laws passed in Congress," he said. "I'm looking at the position."

Young is likely to employ the same argument if he interviews for the job with the Steering Committee. But one GOP lawmaker said he would also have to explain how GOP leaders could award a third chairmanship to him when party rules aim to limit chairmanship terms. The rules prohibit lawmakers from serving consecutive terms on the same panel, but not from heading up other committees.

"It's a political reality that is going to make Republicans look bad with the American public," said the lawmaker, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Young is serving in his second six-year term in a chairman slot. He was previously at the helm of the Resources panel. Young said he takes "nothing for granted" and would be "honored" to become Homeland Security chairman. His tenure as the Transportation and Infrastructure panel chairman expires after the 109th Congress.

As the most senior member on the Homeland Security Committee with 17 terms in Congress, he is next in line for the chairman post. However, GOP sources have said leaders and Homeland Security rank-and-file are wary of the prospect of Young taking over the panel.

In offering his credentials, King highlighted his experience and commitment to homeland security issues since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, in his home state of New York. "Since the morning of Sept. 11 until now, I've fought for homeland security," he said.

He also indicated a potential trump card against Young for the post, noting he fought for the House to create the select Homeland Security Committee after the terrorist attacks and for the permanent panel last year.

"We have to have a strong chairman to be taken seriously by the Homeland Security Department, the homeland security community and others," said King. "We've not going to be taken seriously unless we have a chairman that is committed."

King said he has received positive responses from House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., GOP leaders and members of the Steering Committee, as well as members of the Homeland Security Committee.

The third candidate, Linder, said he is talking to members of the Steering Committee, but said he would weigh the decision against his position on the Ways and Means Committee. Reps. Lamar Smith, R-Texas and Curt Weldon, R-Pa., who both have more seniority than King and Linder, are said to be interested in the Judiciary and Armed Services slots, respectively.