LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Republican Congressman Tim Griffin of Arkansas has won a spot on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

The panel announced Friday that Griffin was one of four new Republican members. The committee is the chief tax-writing committee in the U.S. House and members are not allowed to serve on any other committees unless they receive a waiver from congressional leaders.

Griffin represents Arkansas' 2nd congressional district and won re-election on Nov. 6. Griffin is a former interim U.S. attorney who served in the White House under former President George W. Bush.

Griffin had been mentioned as a potential candidate for governor or Senate in 2014, but said last week he was focused on trying to secure a spot on the powerful committee.

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