Rep. Martha Roby (R – AL02) has made quite a splash in her first term in Washington representing the folks of Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. “Leadership loves her,” an aide to a prominent Congressman told Yellowhammer on Thursday morning. “[Speaker] Boehner has said before that she was the most impressive Freshman during orientation, and he believes she has a huge future ahead of her on the national stage.”
It now looks like Roby may have the opportunity to carve out a leadership role of her own.
Sources have indicated that she is being encouraged to run for Vice Chairman of the GOP Conference. This could be a huge win for the Alabama delegation and the 2nd District for obvious reasons, but to illustrate how big of a deal it could be, just consider the tight-knit leadership structure in the House: There’s the Speaker (Boehner), the Majority Leader (Cantor), the Majority Whip (McCarthy), then Conference Chair and Vice Chair.
Roby would likely be running against Rep. Lynn Jenkins of Kansas, but after consulting with numerous offices on the Hill, it appears that Roby would have a good shot at winning the post. “She’s well-positioned for this,” one of Roby’s fellow Freshman Congressman told Yellowhammer.
The Romney campaign has taken notice as well.
Rep. Roby will be headlining a Romney rally this weekend in North Carolina. From what Yellowhammer can gather, that will make Roby the only Alabama politician to stump for Romney in a battleground state. “The Romney folks love her appeal to younger voters,” another Hill Staffer told Yellowhammer by email.
In only two years, Roby has built a following as a rising star in Washington and a constituent-focused workhorse in the 2nd District. All members of the Alabama delegation have carved out a role for themselves in D.C.: some bring home the bacon, some are the state’s voice with the administration and government agencies, some are conservative stalwarts. But Roby’s rise in the party’s rank-and-file could be a tremendous asset to Alabama, especially as the GOP looks to maintain and grow majorities in Congress.
Thoughts anyone, on Martha being recently named to the Madison Project’s Hall of Shame?
I’ll not be counted amongst her fawning subjects.
Martha is a great representative. She is Constitutionally sound and represents 2nd district very well. I am very proud she is my congresswomen. If we could only elect more people like her.
Good luck to Congressman Roby. Alabama needs more of a voice in House leadership who can assure our views are heard in Washington. She has done well in representing the Second District! Take Charge Martha!
What a great step forward for the Alabama delegation. Martha’s engaing charisma and hands on approach to problem solving will be a great asset to leadership and her district.
Good for Martha! I have liked her ever since she was on the city council. She has sharp political skills, but you never really see it coming because she is down to earth and real.
It’s about time someone from Alabama was making national waves for something GOOD!
I am truly proud to call Martha MY representative up in DC. She is going places and we are SO glad we have a strong leader dedicated to doing the right thing! Keep up the good work, Martha!
This is great news for our state! Roby is a true leader who will make our state proud. I have been to a few of her townhalls in Millbrook and really enjoyed what she had to say. Hopefully she will be successful in this and can continue to fight for our conservative values
Alabama’s delegation is not near as conservative as people think. How does that most conservative state only have one federal representative we could really call a “conservative stalwart” as you mentioned above? Outside of Jeff Sessions who stands up to both the Obama administration and RINOs when they get out of line?
Don’t get me wrong I think Congresswoman Roby has done pretty well but Boehner and friends are not representative of what Alabamians want from their office holders.
That’s good. I don’t live in her district but I like Roby a lot. Helps to have congress members who can use their leverage to help the state or get votes.
Nobody gave her much of a chance to beat Bobby Bright, so when she did I bet a lot of national folks really took notice. Good for her.
I’ve said it before here and I’ll say it again. The tea party missed this one. We supported Barber in the primary and it was a mistake. Great work Martha.
Anyone remember this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iQ7ZDUutU4
Yes. I remember that. One of the main reasons I didn’t vote for that guy. I’m about as right wing as it gets but “gather your armies” was a bit over the line, even for me.