John Boehner

U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles) has only been chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee for one day, but the GOP leadership is wasting little time drawing battle lines on an issue close to the veteran congressman's heart.

House Republican Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) sent Waxman a letter Friday asking the incoming chairman to stop supporting legislation that would allow California to impose the strictest fuel-efficiency standards in the country.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Folsom) will challenge U.S. Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) for his position as House Minority Leader.

"After discussions with several of my colleagues, it has become increasingly clear to me that we must not revert to "business as usual" in the selection of our House Republican Leadership. It is undeniable that the American people are tired of the way congress has conducted its business on their behalf," Lungren said in a statement this afternoon.

"It is unfortunate that perception is reality. The selection of our leadership will reflect the initial reaction of House Republicans to the recent verdict of the American people. It is my belief that it is neither in the interest of our Party or the advancement of our conservative principles to simply affirm the status quo by acclamation in light of what happened on November 4th," Lungren said.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Dan Lungren is continuing to ponder a challenge to House Minority Leader John Boehner, and a final decision will likely come before Thursday evening, a spokesman said today.

“He has been receiving strong encouragement by other members to run,” said Lungren spokesman Brian Kaveney.

Kaveney said Lungren had been spending time on the phone with other members to gauge their support for a bid against Boehner, who so far remains unchallenged in his position as Republican leader in the House of Representatives.