Meehan gains Congressional clout

With the New Year, 111 new members will be sworn into the House of Representatives.  One local newbie is already establishing himself as an “up and coming” leader in the new Republican House majority. 

Republican Pat Meehan of Delaware County has already landed plum appointments on the House Oversight and Government Reform, Homeland Security, and Small Business Committees.  He’s one of just three freshmen on the House Republican

Steering Committee.  And perhaps most significantly, the former U.S. Attorney landed the Chairmanship of the House Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.

Franklin and Marshall College Pollster Terry Madonna says it is very unusual for a first term representative to run a committee, but Meehan already has a national reputation.

“I think he’s well known to Republican leaders around the country.  So on that level, it certainly shouldn’t surprise anyone that Mr. Meehan has gotten some pretty significant appointments,” said Madonna.

It’s unclear whether Meehan’s possible clout will translate into money for Pennsylvania’s 7th district since many Republicans are promising to end earmarks for local projects.