He is considered a "hot property" by members needing a boost to their election efforts, according to Rep. Tom Davis (R-Virginia), the head of the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee.

CNN: McCain to campaign for House Republicans this fall

Speculation on his replacement centers on four men: civil service chief Lee Ek Tieng, Public Service Commission head Andrew Chew, chairman of Singapore Press Holdings Lim Kim San and S. R.

CNN: Intelligence

Brown, a former national drug czar and head of police forces in Houston, New York and Atlanta, will face Councilman Orlando Sanchez (R) in a runoff for the seat.

CNN: Several large cities getting new mayors

The new House Budget Committee chairman, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), gave a very public endorsement of the embattled head of the Congressional Budget Office during his first major speech as committee head Wednesday night.

FORBES: The Budget: Republican Sellout Watch