Platts: “No chance” at watchdog position CARL LINDQUIST, The York Dispatch - 03/01/2010
U.S. Rep. Todd Platts believes he has no chance at becoming the next U.S. comptroller general. Platts, R-York County, said insiders told him his name will be forwarded to President Barack Obama for consideration. But the insiders — other lawmakers and staffers — have said the “sky is going to have to fall” before a Republican House member would be named as the federal government’s top financial watchdog, Platts said.

“Given the extremely partisan environment in Washington and the fact this is an appointment for 15 years to a wholly independent watchdog position, as a Republican there is no chance of me receiving that appointment,” he said. Platts in November announced he was vying to become the next comptroller general, a position that has been filled by Acting Comptroller General Gene Louis Dodaro since March 2008.

The 10-member Congressional Comptroller General Commission is charged with selecting at least three applicants to send to President Barack Obama for consideration. Obama can choose among those applicants or pick someone else. The U.S. Senate must confirm his choice.

Only Republican: Platts was told he’ll be the only Republican on the list sent to the president, he said. But the five-term House member said he was told his inclusion will be just an empty attempt by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House Democratic leadership to show bipartisanship. Despite the slim odds of his candidacy, Platts said he has no intention of removing his name from consideration. “I’m not going to make it easy on the Speaker to not appoint someone who’s got strong qualifications and who has broad bipartisan support,” Platts said.

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle signed a letter of support backing Platts’ application. Among the 111 names are U.S. Reps. Barney Frank, D-Mass., John Murtha, D-Pa., Tim Holden, D-Pa., Jim Gerlach, R-Pa., and Charlie Dent, R-Pa.

Re-election: With his bid for comptroller unlikely to succeed, Platts said he plans to continue focusing on his re-election campaign and his job as a representative. Lifelong York County resident Mike Smeltzer is planning to challenge him in this year’s Republican primary. Smeltzer is the executive director of the Manufacturers’ Association of South Central PA. Whoever wins the primary is slated to face Red Lion Democrat Ryan Sanders in the November general election. The district includes York and Adams counties and part of Cumberland County.

– Reach Carl Lindquist at 717-505-5432 or clindquist@yorkdispatch.com.