One of the big reasons why it’s so important to enter these House leadership races early is because a lot of members simply commit themselves to the first colleague who asks for their support. Because many of the non-candidates want to avoid making enemies, they get behind the first person who comes knocking and tell the others, “Sorry, but so-and-so asked me first.” That’s why it’s so critical to have super-secret cell-phone numbers, to know the names of spouses, etc. First contact can make a huge difference.