If there was any doubt that Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) was emerging as one of the new leading players in the GOP, the conservative Heritage Foundation dashed it aside this week.
The conservative think tank named Ryan “the leader of the of the future of the conservative movement” on Friday, according to Fox News.
Ryan has been the GOP’s go-to guy in recent weeks because he is the ranking member of the House Budget Committee. He introduced the Republican alternative budget this week and delivered the Republican radio and internet address on Saturday.
Perhaps what is most notable about Heritage’s decision is who they didn’t pick. House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.), who was praised for uniting the caucus in opposition to President Obama’s economic stimulus package but has since seen his star dim, was passed over.
Heritage also didn’t pick any of the pols considered potential 2012 GOP candidates. Louisana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-La.) wasn’t picked and neither was South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R).