Doug Collins Elected to #5 post in House Leadership

Per the AJC, Doug Collins defeated Bill Flores for the Conference Vice Chair position. this is a big deal and signals how well-though of the Gainesville Republican is among his peers. Lynn Jenkins previously held the position but was left without a chair when, after Boehner resigned, she attempted to take the Conference Chair position of Cathy McMorris-Rodgers.

This will also raise his status nationwide, and put him front and center in the internal politics of committee assignments and standing. And it may even be enough to get him bumped ahead of former Bulls coach Doug Collins in the google results. Here’s hoping.

UPDATE 2: Doug Collins has released the following statement on his election:

“My colleagues’ vote is humbling, and I look forward to working on behalf of my fellow Republican House members as Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference. As the blue wall crumbled, it reminded everyone that support for conservative principles is deep and wide. Together, we will show the American people that ours is the party of compassion, freedom, and fairness. Now, Republicans have a mandate to make room for hope and opportunity for all Americans, and it’s my honor to share in that responsibility.”

UPDATE: Fellow Georgia Representative Tom Graves sent this press release along with his congratulations:

“Next Congress we will have a unified Republican government for the first time since 2007. It’s time to deliver results for the American people. That’s why I fully support the leadership team that was elected by the House Republican Conference today. I’m thrilled that a North Georgian, Rep. Doug Collins, will be part of that leadership team as Conference Vice Chairman. He will be a strong voice for Georgia and the entire Southeast at the leadership table.”