Republican Whip Roy Blunt announced today that he'll be stepping down from his leadership position, one he's held since November 2002. Reports indicate that Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor, the chief deputy minority whip and a rising star in the party, would run for the position.

Minority Leader John Boehner, who defeated Blunt in the January 2006 race to replace Tom DeLay as majority leader, issued a statement in support of Blunt's work as whip. "Roy has been one of the most effective whips ever to serve our House Republican team," Boehner said. "He has been a tremendous leader for our party, and we owe him credit and gratitude for countless victories we have achieved in the House during his tenure."

"Few Republicans have done more to benefit the team or contribute their time and resources to helping elect Republicans," said NRCC chairman Tom Cole.

Blunt was first elected to Missouri's 7th District in 1996. His son, Matt Blunt, is currently finishing up his lone term as governor of Missouri.