House newcomer Heck wins spot on GOP leadership committee

U.S. House newcomer Joe Heck of Nevada won election in Washington today to a Republican leadership committee, elevating his visibility among a raft of GOP freshman who will take office in January.

Heck became one of three incoming freshmen named to the House Republican Steering Committee, which decides committee assignments for party members and chairmanships for senior lawmakers.

The Republican steering committee consists of the party leaders and selected members chosen for regional balance and as representatives of their elected classes. A Heck spokeswoman said it consists of roughly two dozen members.

Normally the committee would include one freshman, but the huge incoming class of 84 Republicans elected earlier this month successfully pressured for more representation.

The slots were filled in a closed door conference meeting during which Rep. John Boehner of Ohio was elected to be the GOP nominee for House Speaker -- a post he will assume formally on the opening day of the 112th session.

"In assuming this role, southern Nevadans will have a voice in deciding committee leadership positions which will shape the direction of our new Republican majority," Heck said in a statement.