His days of vote counting are over, but Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) will remain in active in the upper reaches of the House GOP leadership, according to a source at this weekend’s Republican leadership retreat.

Blunt’s role will be critical to keeping the top Republicans on each committee up to date on leadership priorities and helping bring them up to speed with leadership strategy, the source said.

Blunt announced he would retire from the Whip post after last November’s elections.

Blunt and House Minority Leader John Boehner (Ohio) were rivals for the top slot in the House GOP leadership prior to the 110th Congress.

Boehner announced Blunt’s appointment during the elected leadership retreat in Annapolis on Saturday, according to the source.

“Mr. Blunt promised to help the new leadership team however possible,” Blunt spokesman Nick Simpson said. “This role will capitalize on his strong relationships with Members and institutional knowledge.”