Rep. Roy Blunt's decision was the second since the polls closed by a top GOP leadership official, as Blunt joined GOP Conference chair Rep. Adam Putnam of Florida in deciding to give up his post.

As GOP Whip, Blunt's job was to "whip" reluctant Republicans in line on a host of votes.

"Ten years of asking people to do some things they don't want to is a long time," Blunt said on Thursday in a briefing with reporters.

Blunt's decision seems to pave the way for Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia to become the Whip, the number two slot in the leadership behind Rep. John Boehner of Ohio.

"Roy has been one of the most effective whips ever to serve our House Republican team," Boehner said in a statement issued soon after Blunt's announcement.

"He has been a tremendous leader for our party, and we owe him credit and gratitude for countless victories we have achieved in the House during his tenure."

Boehner has made clear he is not stepping down as House Minority Leader. So far, no challenge has surfaced.

One person that some might have talked about in that vein, Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana, has decided to run for the #3 leadership post of Conference Chair.

Pence was recruited by Boehner for that job. Whether he and Cantor can help keep Boehner in his post may depend on where the party goes over the next two years.