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AP Photo Paul Ryan endorses Tom Price over Steve Scalise for House majority leader

House Ways and Means Chairman Paul Ryan is throwing his weight behind Rep. Tom Price for majority leader, a significant boost for the Georgia Republican, and a blow to Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) and others who are vying for the spot.

Price is quickly gathering a good deal of conservative support for his bid for the No. 2 House GOP leadership slot. Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) also endorsed Price Monday.

“Tom Price is a committed conservative and a good friend,” Ryan said in a statement. “He and I have served for years together on the Budget and Ways and Means Committees, working to pay down our debt, fix our tax code, and grow our economy. Tom has a proven record of advancing conservative solutions and principles. He has the knowledge and skills needed to be an effective Majority Leader, and I’m proud to support him.”

Price is facing Scalise (R-La.), the House majority whip, and House Republican Conference Chairman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) for the second-ranking position in GOP leadership. Ryan endorsed Price in his 2014 race for conference chair, which he lost to McMorris Rodgers.

Endorsements are key in internal GOP leadership races. Each candidate touts their endorsements as a show of force. The vote will be conducted by secret ballot.

