Washington ? In a race framed by scandal, Republican Reps. Roy Blunt and John Boehner pledged action on a reform agenda Sunday as they launched competing campaigns to succeed Tom DeLay as House majority leader.

“We’ve had a tough run recently, some of it of our own making,” Boehner, R-Ohio, wrote fellow Republicans, whose decade-long hold on power will be challenged by Democrats next fall.

“But I also believe that if we are able to renew our energy and our commitment to our basic principles, the best is yet to come.”

Blunt, the GOP whip who has served temporarily as stand-in for DeLay, made a similar observation. “Unfortunately, the recent scandals have caused some to question whether we have lost our vision and whether the faith they have placed in us is justified,” he wrote.

“While I have no doubt that it is, it will be difficult to move forward … until we regain the trust and confidence of our constituents by enacting new lobbying reforms and enhanced penalties.”

Blunt and Boehner, Midwestern conservatives in their 50s, moved through the early stages of a hurry-up campaign as House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., pledged to “move forward aggressively and quickly” to have the House address lobbying reform. He provided no details.

The leadership elections are expected to be held when lawmakers return to the Capitol the week of Jan. 31.

Meanwhile, Congressman Todd Tiahrt is weighing a bid for U.S. House majority whip after receiving encouragement from several other House members.

A spokesman said the seven-term Republican from Goddard, Kan., may be interested in replacing Blunt in the post if Blunt is named the new House majority leader.