RedState.com: Pick Shadegg Over Blunt

The influential conservative blog Redstate.com is endorsing Arizona Rep. John Shadegg for Minority Whip over Rep. Roy Blunt when Republicans hold leadership elections for the new session.

From Redstate.com:

"The GOP must re-dedicate itself to first principles. Without a White House governing with conservative principles first, the GOP has been rudderless. The House Republicans must decisively reject the idea of "big government conservatism" and set about, again, reducing the burdens of government on the people. They can start by making Mike Pence the leader of the House GOP and John Shadegg the Whip."

"While we like and respect Congressmen Blunt, Boehner, and Cantor, we are committed to fighting for Representatives Pence and Shadegg -- we are conservative first, we recognize that the Republican base is too, and we think it is time to pick leaders who will be fighters in the minority by having proven their commitment to the cause while in the majority."

"Today we would like to make it explicitly clear and reiterate that while we respect Representatives Blunt, Boehner, and Cantor, we believe a fresh start is in order. We also believe there is no better place to turn than the Guardians of the Reagan Legacy and the 1994 Conservative Revolution."

Shadegg is a veteran of the revolutionary class of 1994 and known around the Hill as a true conservative. Redstate.com calls Shadegg "tough as nails."

Blunt announced his candidacy for Minority Leader the day after the election.

"Yesterday's election results were a directive from the American people for Republicans to act like Republicans again," said Blunt in a release. "We must seize this opportunity to reaffirm our conservative principles, return to Republican unity, and restore faith in the American people in our agenda and ability to tackle the tough issues on their behalf. The Whip will be an integral part of the effort to secure a Republican majority in 2008, and I look forward to fighting that daily fight on behalf of the conservative cause and the American people."

Redstate.com is also endorsing Rep. Mike Pence for Minority Leader.