U.S. Rep. Phil English of Erie is seeking re-election in 2008, but he’s taken himself out of consideration for one job — as the leading Republican on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

English is now the sixth-ranking Republican on the committee whose chairman is Charles B. Rangel of New York, D-15th Dist.

If English wins re-election in the 3rd District to the 111th Congress, he would become the fourth-ranking Republican on Ways and Means due to retirements.

In a statement, English didn’t rule out a future opportunity to lead the GOP on the committee. But for now, he said, “The best way to pursue my agenda of tax reform, quality health care and enhanced trade policy is to serve the Ways and Means Republican team as the lead person on one of our key subcommittees.’’

English is now the top Republican on the Select Revenue Measures subcommittee, which deals with tax issues.

One possibility in the new Congress? Leading the Republicans on the health subcommittee of Ways and Means, said English’s spokeswoman, Julia Wanzco.

Of course, the other six candidates who have announced for Congress in 2008 would have something to say about all of this.

They are Democrats Kathy Dahlkemper, Kyle Foust, Tom Myers, and Mike Waltner; Republican John Drescher; and Independent Steven Porter.

— John Guerriero