Report: Blunt back in GOP leadership

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Republican U.S. House of Representatives leader John Boehner of Ohio has named Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., to a new party leadership position, sources say.

Citing an unnamed senior GOP aide, Politico reported Sunday that in the newly established House post, Blunt will oversee the ranking Republicans on each committee and help them coordinate with party leaders.

Blunt and Boehner were once rivals, but the two have worked well together since the Boehner defeated the Missourian to become the House Republican leader three years ago. Blunt stepped aside as the House GOP whip late last year, a move that allowed Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia to become the No. 2 Republican in the House without a fight.

Boehner told Republican leaders about the move during a weekend retreat in Annapolis, Md., Politico said.