Bachmann May Run For Conference Chair

Rep. Mike Pence’s decision to step down as GOP Conference Chair may start the first battle between the Tea Party and the GOP establishment. On the Tea Party side is Michelle Bachmann of Minnesota—sources tell NBC News she may run for Pence’s spot. But Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling, former chairman of the Republican Study Committee, has already announced [LINK http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2010/11/03/republicans-start-jockeying-for-leadership-posts/] his intention to run. Hensarling is a close ally of Eric Cantor, R-Va., expected to be the House majority leader. Bachmann is a favorite of the Tea Party and of many of the new representatives who won Tuesday night.