Lame-duck House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is pulling out all the stops to win over support from the newly elected House Democrats for her speakership bid, secretly showing up to meetings and hosting private dinners for her soon-to-be colleagues, Politico reported.
Pelosi made a secret appearance at the Congressional Progressive Caucus’ orientation on Monday and made a point of cozying up with the 20 members-elect there and touting her role creating the caucus, according to Politico.
She also held a reception for Democrats on Tuesday afternoon and will be meeting with members-elect and the Congressional Black Caucus during the day Wednesday. This evening she will host an another private dinner for the incoming freshman and their spouses, Politico reported.
It’s all part of her effort to win over the growing faction of incoming lawmakers, and some current colleagues, who oppose her speakership bid. At least four members-elect have already publicly indicated they won’t support her as House leader: Abigail Spanberger (VA), Jason Crow (CO), Joe Cunningham (SC) and Max Rose (NY).
Doesn’t seem politically astute right out of the starting gate to not support her. They could be making some big trouble for themselves.
It just seems like when you’re in a battle for the viability of your party and the country, you go with the battle-tested general, not the new draftee…
I’m sorry these younger people who don’t support Pelosi won’t be able to deal with trump and the gop. If these were normal times I could see having someone new being speaker but right now we need someone with experience at the top. I hope the dems don’t screw this up coming out the gate
The Democrats have been a minority in the House for 20 of the last 24 years.
Her charm offensive has to include an explanation that exonerates her convincingly.
The anti-Pelosi reps need 20 - 25 votes to keep Pelosi from remaining as Speaker. It may happen.