Presumptive Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, is backing libertarian-leaning Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., in his bid for a seat on the House appropriations committee.

WASHINGTON, DC – House Speaker-designate John Boehner (R-OH) today announced he is supporting Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) in his bid to be appointed by the Republican Steering Committee to a seat on the House Appropriations Committee, and said he and incoming Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) are encouraging other reform-minded Members of Congress and Members-elect to join Flake in seeking seats on the panel.

“I support Congressman Jeff Flake [R-AZ] in his effort to be appointed to serve on the Appropriations Committee, and I join with incoming Majority Leader Cantor in expressing hope that other reform-minded Members of Congress will follow Jeff’s example in seeking appointment to the committee. 

This is good news for conservatives — especially the part about getting more reform-minded members on the committee. But the most important decision comes Wednesday, when Republicans choose the committee's chairman. Two of the candidates — Reps. Jerry Lewis, Calif., and Hal Rogers, Ky. — represent the old regime and its culture of spending. Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., although not necessarily the model of fiscal responsibility, has nonetheless presented the best plan so far, to return federal spending to 18 percent of GDP.