Toe to Toe

Duel to lead the House G.O.P.

Ever since Arizona Republican John Rhodes, 64, announced a year ago that he would not seek another term as House G.O.P. leader, a behind-the-scenes battle has been taking place to determine his successor. The contenders: Robert Michel of Illinois and Guy Vander Jagt of Michigan. Though both men are Midwesterners and conservative Reaganites, their personalities and leadership styles are vastly different. Michel is "Mr. Inside," an affable master of backstage compromise and consensus. Vander Jagt is "Mr. Outside," a fiery champion of muscle and confrontation. The outcome could shape the way business is done in the House for years to come.

Michel, 57, who has represented the Peoria area for twelve terms, has been minority whip, the No. 2 Republican leader, since 1975. A veteran of countless floor battles, he is a walking Robert's Rules of Order, well skilled in rallying congressional colleagues to party positions. Known for his ability to work amicably with Democrats, Michel claims that only he could push the Reagan Administration program through a House in which the opposing party will have a 51-vote majority. "I've made a point to have friends on the other side," says Michel. "When our position is sound and well reasoned, we'll get Democratic votes."

Vander Jagt, 49, represents the New Right at its most combative. "The Democratic leadership has to be chastened by the voters," he says. A former preacher, attorney and television newscaster in western Michigan, Vander Jagt was first elected to the House in 1966, and has worked hard ever since to increase the number of Republicans in Congress. As chairman of the party's Congressional Committee, Vander Jagt has hustled coast to coast raising funds from corporate political-action committees, running schools for candidates and campaign managers, and spurring on Republican hopefuls. His activities helped produce a net gain of 33 Republicans in the House.

The Reagan camp has remained studiously neutral. Vander Jagt was picked to give the keynote address at last summer's Detroit convention, but Michel was tapped to sing the National Anthem. Michel may have an edge because of his legislative skills; on the other hand Vander Jagt enjoys substantial loyalty among the 52 incoming freshmen, who are grateful for the advice and party funding they received through him.

Both men claim to hold the 97 votes (out of 192) needed to win. "I don't count them hard unless I've looked at them eyeball to eyeball and shaken their hands," says Michel. Says Vander Jagt: "I count a vote hard when he looks you in the eye." The battle will end next week when House Republicans meet eyeball to eyeball for a secret ballot.

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