By Jackie Kucinich (excerpt)

The lack of early public challenges to the top four positions in the Republican Conference has not stopped staff and members from speculating privately about what it would take to topple the leadership team led by Boehner and Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.).

Republicans have scheduled a conference on Nov. 17, Boehner’s birthday, where they will discuss possible shifts in leadership.

At the center of the leadership speculation is Blunt’s deputy, Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), who is thought to be the only member who could mount a strong challenge to Boehner or Blunt.

And while speculation has swirled that Blunt may step aside in order to avoid a potentially divisive race, Blunt spokeswoman Antonia Ferrier dismissed the chatter as an “inside Washington leadership parlor game.”

“Right now, Mr. Blunt is focused exclusively on helping his House colleagues,” Ferrier said.

“There will be a time for this discussion, but a day out from Election Day is certainly not it,” she added. Read more…

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