Republican Study Committee

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Campbell (R-Irvine) acknowledged in an interview today that his outspoken support for the $700 billion bailout package could cost him his shot at the chairmanship of the conservative Republican Study Committee.

But that’s not going to make him change his position that a rescue plan in at least some form needs to pass.

Campbell said he was aware of reports that RSC members not backing the bailout had concerns about his position, but if that keeps Campbell from winning the chairmanship, he said, “I’m ok with that.”

Campbell said he felt strongly about his position. As RSC chair, he said, members would need to know that he would stand by his positions.

The Republican Study Committee is a caucus of conservative members. Campbell and at least several other members, including U.S. Reps. Tom Price (R-Ga.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), have been reportedly in consideration for caucus chair, a post currently held by U.S Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas).