As of last night: According to his office, he was at 100 public committments. (Latest: Brown, Gilchrest, Sodrel–”bringing his total public commitments to 100. Blunt has 117+ public and private supporters combined.”

This morning the Journal notes: “He also hasn’t been shy about using his current post as part of his attempt to climb the ladder, promising committee posts to supporters and even urging GOP contributors to make calls on his behalf.” Which, in his defense, does probably demonstrate his talent as whip. And, as folks pointed out to me last night, yesterday’s budget vote helps the guy, too.

I’ll pull for Shadegg until the end though. We’ll see if that does it behind House doors today.