Indiana Republican Rep. Mike Pence is in Annapolis today to raise money for Andy Harris, the likely Republican nominee for Congress in Maryland's First District.

Pence, a prominent conservative, could figure in the reshuffling of House leaders if Republicans recapture control of the chamber in the November election, as a growing number of prognosticators are forecasting.

Pence made an unsuccessful try to become Republican leader after his party lost its House majority in the 2006 election. The man who defeated him, Rep. John Boehner of Ohio, is expected to become the next House speaker.

Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia would probably move up to replace Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer as Majority Leader, the second most influential House post. And Pence, currently number three in the Republican hierarchy, could advance to Majority Whip.

That presumes, however, that there aren't other ambitious Republicans who want to climb the leadership ladder, as often happens when majority control changes hands.

Pence would appear to be better positioned than he was four years ago, when he lost to Boehner by more than 100 votes in a closed-door Republican caucus meeting. He is identified with the most conservative group of House Republicans, whose numbers are expected to expand significantly in the new Congress.

The possibility of a leadership shift is one reason Pence is traveling the country, helping Republican colleagues and would-be colleagues in key contests. If and when there is a Republican leadership election, he can cash those IOUs.

Harris is no worse than an even bet to regain Maryland's easternmost, and traditionally Republican, congressional district. Democratic freshman Rep. Frank Kratovil, who narrowly defeated Harris in 2008, is regarded as one of the nation's most vulnerable incumbents and the only Maryland congressman thought to be in danger of losing his seat.