Heller given choice assignment

By Lisa Mascaro

Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008 | 4:44 p.m.

WASHINGTON -- Nevada Republican Rep. Dean Heller was appointed today to the powerful House Finance Committee — an assignment that boosts his profile and further raises the status of the Nevada delegation.

Heller’s ascent is rare for a freshman and resembles fellow Nevada Republican John Ensign’s rise to the House Ways and Means committee upon his election to the House in 1995. The appointment of Ensign, who moved the Senate in 2001, was seen as a reward to voters for electing him over the incumbent Democrat during the Republican revolution of 1994. The meaning of Heller’s newfound status can be debated, said Eric Herzik, chairman of the political science department at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Part of it could be fortunate timing. Republicans have lost many members to retirements that have swept the House since the party lost power in 2006. The committee seat opened up with the resignation of Louisiana Richard Baker this month. Party leaders also may want to help Heller prepare for a challenge in fall. State Democratic Party Chairwoman Jill Derby is considering a rematch after having narrowly lost to Heller in 2006.

The Finance Committee is expected to play a leading role in legislation dealing with the mortgage crisis. House Minority Leader John Boehner said Heller’s background in the financial industry makes him perfect for the job.

The committee is one of the choicest for a House lawmaker. Nevada’s other two House members serve on one of the other A-list committees, Ways and Means.

The state’s small delegation suffered for years on the back benches. But the rise of Sen. Harry Reid as majority leader, and appointments for Ensign and the House members, has elevated the small state’s status.