As expected, Minnesota Congressman John Kline was chosen this morning by the House Republican Conference to serve as the Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee.

After making the appropriate sounds about being honored and humbled, Kline telegraphed the agenda of the new GOP sheriffs in town.

"I am eager to move forward with an agenda that fulfills our pledge to create a smaller, more accountable federal government," said Kline, in his fourth term in Congress. "My goal for the federal programs and agencies that oversee our schools and workplaces is to provide certainty and simplicity. We must ensure federal red tape does not become the enemy of innovation, and that federal mandates do not become roadblocks on the path to reform." Once the Republicans take over the House in January, Kline will be the only committee chair from Minnesota. Stay tuned for the Hot Dish video interview later today…