Simpson Replaces Young on GOP Steering Committee

Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) has replaced Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) as the small state representative on the 33-member House Republican Steering Committee, Young’s office confirmed Tuesday.

Simpson will replace young on the “committee of committees,” which decides which GOP lawmakers serve as ranking members on different House committees.

Young’s office characterized the ouster as amicable, with Young having stepped aside to make the way for Simpson.

“What he wanted to do was give the institution an opportunity to get in fresh blood,” Young spokesman Mike Anderson said. “[Rep.] Mike Simpson’s the right guy to do that job.”

A source said that Republican lawmakers from small states met informally to choose Simpson for the committee, but could not confirm whether or not the decision was amicable.

“It gives him a chance for him to focus on his job on [the Committee on Natural Resources], which he believes involves important issues in the next Congress,” Anderson said.

Young is Ranking Member on the Natural Resources Committee, a position which reports have said Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Wa.), also a member of the Steering Committee, has eyed.

Hastings Chief of Staff Todd Young said there was not truth to that report. “My boss has asked to continue to serve on the Rules Committee,” Young said. “His form has already been returned.”

“Whether Hastings is going to challenge him or not, we’ll see,” Anderson said, who said Young wants to remain in charge on the committee. “Every ranking member has to go before the steering committee and make their case. Period.”

A spokesman for Simpson was not immediately available for comment.

–Michael O’Brien

[Updated at 6:04 p.m. to include a statement from Hastings’s office.]