Rep. Spencer Bachus came out swinging midweek against speculation he may not become chairman of the House Financial Services Committee if Republicans win control of the House in the midterm elections.
The typically soft-spoken Alabama Republican told reporters "there's no question" he will be elected chairman by the Republican Steering Committee.
"I've already talked to them," Bachus said after a speech at a conference hosted by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions. "There's no question from anybody in leadership. When everyone's present, they're saying, 'You are going to be the next chairman.' "
Bachus took issue with recent press accounts, which have speculated that another Republican on the panel could get the job. Possible picks have included Reps. Ed Royce of California, Scott Garrett of New Jersey and Jeb Hensarling of Texas.
Bachus insisted all such talk was mistaken. "Go to people who make the decision, and that's not lobbyists," he said. "Go to the Steering Committee and ask them what they're thinking. As a matter of fact, go to somebody like who you all keep naming in these articles — go to them and ask them who's going to be chairman."
Bachus also said he had the backing of Republican Leader John Boehner. "I'm going to have John's support," he said. "Go ask John. Don't ask some staffer up here."
