The Skinny

Assembly Republicans appear poised to elect a new leader. With rumors
running wild that Kevin McCarthy will be running for Congress if Bill Thomas
resigns, a three-way race is under way to succeed him. McCarthy was
apparently angered when Mimi Walters circulated a letter at the GOP
convention this weekend seeking support from members. Walters’ letter lifted
the curtain on the McCarthy/Thomas last-minute switcharoo, hoping to keep
the plot under wraps until the March 10 filing deadline. Our sources say the
other two candidates, George Plescia and Rick Keene, may be trying to work
out an agreement between them to block Walters’ push. Details should shake
out next week. If McCarthy does run for Congress, count on Sen. Roy Ashburn
running against McCarthy for the Congressional seat