Oregon Public Broadcasting

Congressman Greg Walden's taking on new responsibilities, helping his party elect members of Congress. April Baer reports Walden's being asked to help the National Republican Campaign Committee rebuild.

When NRCC chair Pete Sessions wanted someone to manage the party's regional strategy for 2010, he called on his long-time friend Greg Walden.

The Hood River Republican previously chaired an audit committee.

It was a bumpy time -- one major fraud case was uncovered on his watch.  Part of the job was to make sure committee cash was being channeled to local races, not just national promotions.

Now he'll need to have a finger on the pulse of important House races around the country.

So what about all those rumors that Walden might run for Governor in 2010?

Here's what Walden's spokesman Andrew Whelan says.

Andrew Whelan:   "Chairman Sessions is a good friend, and asked Greg if he would be interested in helping him tackle this new responsibility. But as for running for Governor, there's a time and place for that conversation, and we're not there yet."

The NRCC is hoping Walden's guidance will draw the party into races outside its traditional havens in the South and the Plains.