Haslam tabbed to lead Republican Governors Association

Add chief advocate of GOP policy in states across the country to Gov. Bill Haslam's duties.

Tennessee's governor was chosen Thursday as the next leader of the Republican Governors Association. The national group of Republican governors picked the moderate conservative to succeed well-known presidential hopeful Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey.

"No one is achieving better results than our Republican executives in the states, and thanks to the RGA's hard work, they can continue to drive America's comeback," Haslam said in a news release. "This election was a resounding affirmation of the policies and the leadership Republican governors are providing, and I am honored and eager to build upon that momentum as I take on the chairmanship."

With the results of the midterm election, the RGA consists of GOP governors from 31 states or territories. The organization advocates for GOP policies and candidates, especially during election years, with the leader expected to campaign for GOP candidates across the country.

Right now the RGA is something of a presidential breeding ground, with a slew of GOP governors weighing bids for the highest office in 2016: Christie, Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin, Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana, Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and outgoing Texas Gov. Rick Perry among them. None of those contenders wants to lead the RGA, though: Time magazine quoted an unnamed GOP governor and a gubernatorial assistant earlier this week saying there was little competition for the top spot.

In a statement, Christie called Haslam a "strong leader among leaders."

"He emerged as a true pioneer when he took office, and his commanding victory this past election shows that his reform-driven approach is working for Tennessee. Governor Haslam is doing what governors are elected to do, he has the results to prove it," Christie said in the statement.

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, House Speaker Beth Harwell, state Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney and others lauded the appointment. Ramsey called Haslam a "conservative consensus-builder" and said he was proud of the governor, while Harwell said the new role was an "excellent opportunity for Tennessee to take the lead on addressing issues facing our nation."

While Christie enjoyed success and a national re-emergence after state scandal by serving as the head of the RGA, he also spent considerable time away from New Jersey. The Associated Press calculated he spent about 40 percent of his second term away from his home state.

A Politico story published Thursday said Haslam's fellow GOP governors appreciate the Tennessean as "one of the workhorses of the gubernatorial community."

Haslam was re-elected by an overwhelming majority but faces potential fights at home with fellow GOP lawmakers in the General Assembly. He's already been rumored as a contender for higher office at some point in the future.

Reach Dave Boucher at 615-259-8892 and on Twitter @Dave_Boucher1.