In order to maintain House Democrats’ impeachment momentum and avoid exposing any rifts in the party at a crucial time, Democrats are aiming to quietly replace late-House Oversight Committee Chair Elijah Cummings (D-MD) with the most senior Democrat on the committee.
According to Politico, some members of the Congressional Black Caucus have said behind closed doors that they’d be willing to support Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), even though it would mean losing one of their five chairmanships. Maloney has been serving as interim chair since Cummings passed away last week.
While there have been a few other lawmakers floated to replace Cummings, several Democrats have privately said they want to avoid any distractions from the impeachment inquiry, according to Politico. House Democrats must hold an election within 30 days, but timing won’t be discussed publicly until after Cummings’ funeral services later this week.
Some Democrats are reportedly concerned there are not enough experienced lawmakers on the Oversight Committee who could function well taking on Trump and Maloney is viewed as the easiest choice for the position.
“At this point, it doesn’t matter because (House Speaker Nancy) Pelosi (D-CA) has already made Schiff the captain of the ship,” a Democratic aide told Politico.
Good idea…the Dems are focused (hopefully won’t mess the impeachment inquiry process) + Maloney is pretty sharp too. Also thanks to the Congressional Black Caucus for being pragmatic!
Yes, this is good news. All energy focussed on moving ahead – the last thing we need is energy wasted on in-fighting. Plus we are not talking about a lifetime appointment here…
Elijah was a national treasure. What a loss.
Now we wait to see how Toadglans will make his death all about him.
So Barr is planning to take out Maloney, next.
Sure, Cummings could have died of natural causes, he did have a number of health concerns, but the timing was just too perfect for trump.
What, democrats not in disarray? A united caucus? who would have thought?
It’s rather similar to the way that gwb turned out to be a uniter.