WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) brandished a calculator to demonstrate his claim that the race for Majority Whip is wide open and headed for multiple ballots.

“As you know, there are 232 possible votes for this race,” said Tiahrt. “Eric Cantor says he has 150 votes, which would leave 82 Members uncommitted.  I have personally spoken to more than two-thirds of the 232 members in the Conference, and well over half of them are firmly undecided. When you take that number, in addition to the firm commitments for Mike Rogers (R-MI), Zack Wamp (R-TN) and me, Mr. Cantor’s numbers simply do not add up.

“I would never take legislation to the floor with numbers like this.”

Tiahrt stated he has already received numerous second ballot commitments from Cantor supporters in addition to first ballot crossovers.

“Based on what Members are telling me, this race is clearly in play, and I am encouraged,” Tiahrt said.

Tiahrt has been a member of the Republican Whip organization for 11 years, including seven years as a Deputy Whip. He was elected to Congress as a member of the historic class of 1994 after defeating 9-term former Democrat Congressman Dan Glickman. Tiahrt has been an advocate for government reform while effectively representing his district as a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee.