As first reported here by RMR blogger Heston's Ghost, Rep. Mike May will be stepping down from his office soon. The House Republicans will have to choose a new minority leader soon to replace May and their choice will have major implications for the future of the party. Here are some likely candidates, ranked in order of likelihood of success in their potential bids:

Rep. Frank McNulty (Highland's Ranch) - McNulty almost challenged David Balmer for the Assistant Minority Leader spot but couldn't get quite enough votes together. McNulty may have an easier time running for the open position than trying to unseat Balmer from his incumbent position.

Rep. Amy Stephens (Colorado Springs) - The El Paso County delegation usually fronts a candidate for leadership positions. In a one-on-one contest they won't have much luck (i.e. Bob Gardner's challenge of Cory Gardner for minority whip). In the event of a three or four-way race, a unified El Paso delegation could emerge victorious and Amy Stephens would be their most logical choice.

Rep. David Balmer (Centennial) - As Assistant Minority Leader, he would seem like the logical choice, but he would be in trouble going up against McNulty. Balmer would see many of the Reps. from CD-6 and CD-7 that he would depend on jumping ship. The fact that Balmer almost faced a challenge for the Assistant Minority Leader spot last month suggests he might not have Mike May's talent for holding together coalitions.

Rep. Ellen Roberts (Durango) - Roberts unsuccessfully challenged Stephens for the caucus chair spot last month. While unlikely, she might run for minority leader on the same rationale of moderating the party and representing Western Slope interests.