Rep. Mike Pence (R.-Ind.) won the support of RedState and the Washington Examiner today, bolstering his chances to become House minority leader when the GOP caucus votes next week. The endorsements are a signal from both the conservative base (RedState) and establishment media (Washington Examiner) that a change is needed.

Pence isn't the only Republican getting good press today. Rep. John Shadegg (R.-Ariz.), who is running for minority whip, securing the backing of RedState as well.

Mike Pence was elected in 2000, and does not have the institutional taint of many who have been in the Republican ranks of the House for a longer time. He is also a disciple of the Reagan Revolution and an articulate spokesman, two characteristics the GOP will need in a Minority Leader. John Shadegg is a veteran of the Class of 1994 and an articulate defender of conservatism. Shadegg outpaced most every one of his colleagues in funding the effort to save the House, recognizing the GOP's shortcomings, but believing it better than the alternative. He's also tough as nails, something we need in a Whip.

The Washington Examiner editorial also backs Sen. Tom Coburn (R.-Okla.) for minority leader in the upper chamber. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R.-Ky.) has been considered a shoe-in for that job, but the Examiner has been a huge supporter of Coburn's efforts, so it's not entirely surprising.

UPDATE -- 9:32 a.m.: No sooner had I finished writing this and more good news arrived in my inbox. Andy Roth reports that the Club for Growth, led by former Rep. Pat Toomey (R.-Pa.), is officially backing Pence for minority leader.

UPDATE -- 9:42 a.m.: I certainly don't want to get overly optimistic, but I'm sensing a real groundswell of support building around Pence and Shadegg. Here's an excerpt from an article in today's Wall Street Journal:

The problem is the House, where Speaker Dennis Hastert has already announced he won't stand for minority leader. Others in the leadership are claiming to have learned their lesson and promise a new beginning. That's for Members to judge. But we'd be wary of leaders who stake their claim to power on their ability to soak the lobbying mecca of K Street, or who refused to challenge the Appropriators who did so much to besmirch the image of the current, and soon-to-vanish, GOP majority.

Republicans might also recall what happened to Democrats when they tried to regain the House in 1996 by running with the same leadership and agenda that had been ousted in 1994. Those Democrats failed, despite Bill Clinton's victory at the top of the ticket, because too many voters saw the same old story. If Republicans lose again in 2008, they could be in the minority for a long time.

* * *

The good news is that a younger generation does seem to be stepping forward. Mike Pence, of Indiana, has already declared for minority leader, and John Shadegg of Arizona is seeking the number two job as whip. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, Jeb Hensarling of Texas and Jeff Flake of Arizona (see his essay nearby) are among the other Members who have tried to put ideas above mere incumbency. Republican Members will make up their own minds, but their willingness to consider new leadership will say a lot about the lessons they've learned from this week's drubbing.

Too many Republicans were corrupted and seduced by power and forgot why voters sent them to Washington. Winning back the majority requires new faces of leadership far removed from this year's debacle.

UPDATE -- November 11, 5:28 p.m.: I didn't get a chance to make note of this yesterday, but Pence also secured the support of the Center for Individual Freedom. The endorsement is notable because the Center for Individual Freedom has never before endorsed a candidate for any position. Ever.

This is another example why Pence's candidacy is a real testament to where the conservative grassroots is on this.