Congressman Phil English, R-Pa., Erie, is downplaying any talk that he is in the running to replace retiring Rep. Jim McCrery, R-La.’s place as the ranking Republican member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

“I was extremely flattered,” English said of such talk during a phone interview Tuesday from the House floor.  “I’ve chosen to quell that speculation.”

Democrats are the majority party and control the committee.

English said he’s “pleased to be a ranking member” of some of the committee’s sub-committees, but that colleagues Reps. Wally Herger, R-Calif. and David Camp, R-Mich, bring “a wealth of experience” and should be considered for the post.

“My feeling is it should be one of them,” English said.

He didn’t rule out from seeking a top leadership post “in the near future.”