The Week

Republicans are worried about more casualties as that ruthless warlord attempts to expand his territory. Then again, maybe Newt Gingrich will take a kinder, gentler path to the GOP House leadership.

In fact, Congressman Bob Michel’s announcement that he will not be seeking re-election next year may set off a real race to succeed him in the Minority Leader post he has held for 12 years. Mr. Gingrich and Gerry Solomon are already lining up supporters, although Henry Hyde—who has declared himself “an aspirant with a small ‘a’ ”—rightly points out that it’s a “political eternity” until December 1994, when the election will be held. Even so, Mr. Gingrich’s entry means a contest to replace him in the number-two Whip’s job. Conservatives Bob Walker of Pennsylvania, Tom DeLay of Texas, and Bill McCollum of Florida are interested. Which is fine, but conservatives—a clear majority among House Republicans—must be careful lest their rivalries elect moderates. Aspirants should agree on clear conservative positions on key issues such as health care, welfare, and tax policy, and avoid compromising for the sake of the moderate swing vote. Hang together, boys, not separately.

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Republicans are worried about more casualties as that ruthless warlord attempts to expand his territory. Then again, maybe Newt Gingrich will take a kinder, gentler path to the GOP House leadership.

In fact, Congressman Bob Michel’s announcement that he will not be seeking re-election next year may set off a real race to succeed him in the Minority Leader post he has held for 12 years. Mr. Gingrich and Gerry Solomon are already lining up supporters, although Henry Hyde—who has declared himself “an aspirant with a small ‘a’ ”—rightly points out that it’s a “political eternity” until December 1994, when the election will be held. Even so, Mr. Gingrich’s entry means a contest to replace him in the number-two Whip’s job. Conservatives Bob Walker of Pennsylvania, Tom DeLay of Texas, and Bill McCollum of Florida are interested. Which is fine, but conservatives—a clear majority among House Republicans—must be careful lest their rivalries elect moderates. Aspirants should agree on clear conservative positions on key issues such as health care, welfare, and tax policy, and avoid compromising for the sake of the moderate swing vote. Hang together, boys, not separately.