Face Time By casting himself as an independent thinker, Matheson, a Blue Dog Democrat, was able to overcome a challenge from Love, a rising GOP star, despite running for re-election in both a state and a district that heavily favored Republicans. Those close to Utah Rep. Jim Matheson describe him as data-driven and deeply involved in his own campaign strategy, so the Blue Dog Democrat knew exactly the herculean task he faced in 2012. As top House Republican leaders remain silent on the unfolding scandal surrounding Rep. Scott DesJarlais of Tennessee, conservatives in Congress are starting to groan that his infidelities add up to bad optics for the group. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., was at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee on Tuesday, meeting with Executive Director Guy Cecil when news broke that Bennet was considering chairing the committee next cycle. Growing up, Rep. Greg Walden was a Boy Scout. He worked hard and earned badge after badge, finally accruing the highest honor: Eagle Scout. The Oregon lawmaker earned a new title on Wednesday: chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Sen. Michael Bennet appears increasingly likely to take over the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for the 2014 election cycle, even though he may be worried about tarnishing his bipartisan reputation. Arizona looks to be a central battleground in the fight for control of the House over the next decade, as the competitive nature of its independent commission-drawn districts proved earlier this month. Rep. Joe Donnelly soared down U.S. Route 41