Joe Heck lands plum post on House GOP Steering Committee

By Delen Goldberg

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010 | 8:06 p.m.

U.S. Rep.-elect Joe Heck landed a plum position Wednesday as one of three freshman named to the House Republican Steering Committee.

Committee members are in charge of choosing full committee and subcommittee chairs and members. Heck will serve as a freshman class representative.

“It is an honor and privilege,” Heck said. “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.”

The Republican House Steering Committee consists of party leaders, committee leaders, class leaders and regional representatives.

It comes as little surprise that Heck received the influential post. Republican leaders want to position Heck well because his seat is considered vulnerable.

Heck won this month’s election for the 3rd Congressional District, a swing district, by fewer than 2,000 votes.

Democratic Rep. Dina Titus, Heck’s outgoing predecessor, also received good treatment when she took over the district two years ago. Titus was given an extra committee position and was made a spokeswoman for health and education issues.