Representative Mike Pence (R-Indiana) plans to step down as House Republican Conference chariman because he doesn't want his duties to be interrputed by a run for president or governor in 2012.

Pence is the de facto spokesman for Republican lawmakers in the House, as the party's third-in-command behind John Boehner and Eric Cantor.

Pence's challengers in a 2012 Republican presidential primary could include, among others, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee and Sarah Palin.

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are planning to vote Nov. 16 on their new leadership.

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