Roy Blunt continues to whitewash his record

In this morning's Roll Call (subscription required), we see that contrary to all evidence and good sense, Roy Blunt didn't step down as Whip in November because he embodied everything that went wrong with the Republican leadership in Washington. Not at all! Instead, just like his son, Daddy Blunt stepped down on his own terms:

Five months ago, when Rep. Roy Blunt (Mo.) stepped down as Minority Whip after the Republicans' drubbing on Election Day, it appeared from the outside as if he was getting pushed out and taking the fall for his party.

But from the inside, it was a carefully calculated decision by a Member who had his eyes on a bigger prize: a seat in the Senate.

This is a fascinating new perspective on what happened in November. Because immediately after stepping down, Blunt said his resignation was the direct result of the Republican thumping in Congressional elections.  

Blunt said he had long ago decided that if Republicans did not reclaim the majority in Tuesday's elections, he would leave the difficult job of shepherding votes.

I guess we were all just misinformed by the contemporaneous reporting of Blunt's resignation. Reports like this:

The bloodletting in House GOP leadership began quickly after their second straight drubbing at the polls...Blunt appeared to be on his way out... (Roll Call, 11/6/08)

And this:

At 'rock bottom,' GOP aims to present new face
After a second election with big losses and no heir apparent, the Republican Party is looking for a messenger, House Republicans are girding for a leadership battle and relieved senators are standing pat after losing at least five seats....

Republican members said Mr. Blunt is also calling colleagues to sound them out on his chances, and several told The Washington Times that they think the lawmaker from Missouri is looking for a graceful way to exit. He has not publicly announced his plans. (Washington Times, 11/6/08)

And this:

Even before the election results are in, expectations of a poor GOP showing and anger over the direction of the party has led to back-door maneuvering for a potential leadership fight targeting the unseating of Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio and Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri. (Tampa Tribune, 11/2/08)

And this:

The fate of the No. 2 Republican, Minority Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.), was uncertain, and one of the younger party mavericks, Virginia's Eric Cantor, was poised to replace him amid widespread discontent among party rank-and-file with the Election Day performance.  (Washington Post 11/6/08)

And this:

House Republican Whip Roy Blunt, the No. 2 GOP leader in the House, won't seek another term in leadership after his party's losses in a second consecutive election... (Wall Street Journal, 11/6/08)

It only took Blunt five months to correct all those stories, but I'm glad that he's cleared things up.