GOP promises Cassidy seat on Energy panel

Republicans are promising Rep. Bill Cassidy (R) a seat on the Senate Energy Committee if he wins the runoff election in Louisiana next month.

The new pledge from incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is sure to boost Cassidy in his bid against the incumbent, Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu.

{mosads}McConnell said in a statement released by Cassidy’s campaign on Wednesday that Cassidy would be appointed to the committee if he wins the Dec. 6 runoff.

“I’m confident Dr. Cassidy will use this position to succeed where Sen. Landrieu failed,” McConnell said.

“One of our top priorities will be actually passing the Keystone XL pipeline. And Dr. Cassidy will help lead the charge to rein in EPA regulations that are raising utility rates and costing jobs. And he’ll fight for Louisiana families against President Obama’s assault on energy jobs.”

“Louisiana will have a senator that will use his clout to support energy jobs, not President (Barack) Obama,” McConnell added.

Landrieu’s seniority on the Energy Committee remained a key selling point for her on the campaign trail despite losing her chairmanship when Republicans took the Senate last week.

The new pledge from McConnell seeks to undermine Landrieu’s argument.