[ChrisAJ]

[ QUOTE ]
Lurker is correct. This is really an internal matter and public efforts to move Senators in one direction or another on their own leadership structure is futile.

Alexander thought he had the Whip job lined up last time, but counted his votes wrong (funny enough) and someone flipped on him. He's the most moderate of the ones mentioned.

Kyl is effectively a Republican mouthpiece and footsoldier. He's the current #3 behind McConnell and Lott.

DeMint is the type that goes after earmarks and government waste. Probably the most truly "conservative" of the bunch from that perspective.

[/ QUOTE ]

I haven't checked this morning, so news may have changed, but Burr and Hutchison are both making the rounds for Conference Chair.

Kyl probably has the Whip post locked, and Alexander has apparently endorsed him - and is angling for the Conference Chair spot he would have to vacate. Ditto Berge's inference that Alexander would be a strange choice for Conference Chair.

DeMint also angling for Conference Chair, but may have rubbed too many folks the wrong way on approps and other issues.

Cornyn has apparently indicated he would like to move from Vice Chair of the Conference to Chair the Policy Committee (defering to and avoiding a fight with his senior senator by not looking for a Conference promotion).

Not sure if folks would get irked by both Texans serving in leadership (think House GOP for years...).