Livingston set to be new speaker

With the withdrawal of Rep. Christopher Cox, R-Calif., from the race, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Bob Livingston, R-La., has the votes needed to be elected speaker, House Republican sources said today.

"He's got more than enough," a House Republican aide said this afternoon. "He's continuing to whip, but it's above what he needs-safely above it."

Another House aide agreed. "Obviously, Livingston has it in the bag," the aide said. "I don't see how anyone can overcome his vote count."

With Republicans assuming Livingston has the votes, attention is now focused on other leadership races and the impact on the Appropriations panel. And in somewhat of a surprise, the name of VA-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., is being mentioned as the next chairman. Many have assumed National Security Appropriations Chairman C.W. (Bill) Young, R-Fla., would take over the committee and a knowledgeable Republican source downplayed the Lewis speculation.

Cox, Livingston's only announced opponent, today sent colleagues a letter endorsing Livingston and stating he was withdrawing in the interest of unifying House Republicans.

"As I have said repeatedly on national television in recent days, Bob Livingston is a great leader and would make a great speaker," Cox wrote. "I can now say he will make a great speaker."

But conservatives on and off Capitol Hill continued to have a mixed reaction to Livingston. "He's been very confrontational with conservatives," said an aide to a House Republican conservative member. "He's kind of like Newt without a vision."

However, conservative Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz., endorsed Livingston, saying he had the courage to announce his candidacy before Gingrich had decided to step down. "In addition to courage, the next speaker must have an ability to listen and skill in building consensus among the diverse viewpoints within the GOP. Bob Livingston has these talents," he said.

Outside groups also were divided. "I have known Livingston for almost 22 years," said Paul Weyrich, national chairman of Coalitions for America. "He is a man of his word and in that respect it is possible to deal with him on an honorable basis."

But Andrea Sheldon, executive director of the Traditional Values Coalition, was blunt in her criticism. "Livingston's narcissistic claim to be a reasonable, practical leader is a poignant example of Clintonesque self-deception," Shelton said. The White House sees its dealings in recent years with Livingston as a "mixed bag," according to Press Secretary Joe Lockhart.

Meanwhile, GOP sources confirmed today that Lewis is being mentioned as a possible successor to Livingston. When Livingston had contemplated retiring earlier this year, Gingrich and the chairman had said Young would take over the panel. Young aides could not be reached for comment today and a Lewis aide said it would be "wrong to presume anything." A knowledgeable Republican source said it is unlikely Lewis would be chosen.