Leading House Democrats are still hoping to resolve a thickening leadership dispute pitting Majority Leader Steny Hoyer against Majority Whip James Clyburn, both of whom would like to be minority whip next Congress.
On MSNBC this morning, Rep. George Miller (D-CA) — currently chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, and one of Nancy Pelosi’s closest allies on the Hill — said he thinks the two could figure out a compromise.
These are two very talented, very competent — I love them both in leadership,” Miller said. “They’re working it themselves. They have decisions to make. I think it’ll work out.”
Pelosi has been trying to resolve the conflict since Monday, after the two sides spent the weekend building support for their efforts. But yesterday, those negotiations took a wrong turn, and Clyburn’s camp is now insisting that the caucus vote to pick a new whip next week.
Miller’s statement indicates that Pelosi thinks the gridlock can still be eased. Clyburn reportedly returned to his South Carolina district ahead of Veteran’s Day.
