The Heritage Foundation is likely to get a boost to its national profile with the hiring of Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., as its new leader. "I'm hoping they broaden the conservative horizon and become the catalyst for developing new ideas based on the principles, rather than attack Republicans for being insufficiently conservative," said Jack Howard, vice chairman of Wexler Walker Public Policy Associates. DeMint's move likely means that Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., will become the ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.