[ad_1]
Sixteen House Democrats circulated a letter Monday in which they pledged to vote against Nancy Pelosi for the presidency of the House, calling for a "new leadership" – even though no challenger has introduced to run against the California Democrat.
"We are grateful to Chief Pelosi for her years of service in our country and our caucus. She is a historical figure whose leadership has been instrumental in some of the most important legislative achievements of our party, "reads the letter from the current Democrats and newly elected MPs. "However, we also recognize that in the recent election, Democrats ran and won on a message of change."
In announcing their intention to oppose Pelosi, lawmakers wrote, "Our majority has fallen back on the back of candidates who have said they would support new leadership, because hard-pressed constituents from across the country want see a real change in Washington. We promised to change the status quo and we intend to keep that promise. "
The letter was signed by Pelosi's former rival, Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, and other members such as Seth Moulton, D-Mass., Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif. ; and several new lawmakers, along with elected member Joe Cunningham from South Carolina.
Rep. Ben McAdams, of D-Utah, also signed the letter, although the statements show him lagging in his mid-term run against Republican Rep. Mia Love.
"We are determined to vote for new leadership at both our caucus meeting and in the House," said the letter.
Fox News had previously reported the existence of this letter, although a name was not left in the final version: Rep. Marcia Fudge of D-Ohio said she was considering a race against Pelosi and was planning to to announce his decision after Thanksgiving.
"People are asking me to do it, and I'm thinking about it," Fudge told local media last week. "I have to think about it and see if I have an interest. I am at the very beginning of this process. It's just under discussion at this point. "
In 2016, Ryan challenged Pelosi for the minority leader in the House but was defeated in the caucus' in camera vote. His office has not yet closed the door to a possible presidential race, but has not engaged in one way or another.
The possibility of political retaliation could keep other people out of the race, although Congressional sources have denied Fox News that Pelosi is doing it, saying it's "not nasty".
"The political repercussions of the attempt to block Pelosi will be more pronounced outside of Congress than inside," said a congressional source. "Outside of these last two years, voters have organized themselves with a lot of energy and passion to take back Parliament. The blocking of Pelosi will be seen by many as a barrier to progress that so many people have worked so hard. "
The source suggested that the "disruptive" could then attract a "major challenge in 2020".
If 17 Democrats voted against Pelosi, she would not have the votes of her party to secure the leadership position. In order to obtain the hammer, Pelosi had first to reunite the majority of the Democratic caucus members in the internal leadership elections, before winning an absolute majority in the House.
But in recent days, Pelosi has gained unlikely support – President Trump – who has promised to get his Republican votes if necessary.
"I like it, can you believe it?" Trump told reporters Saturday. "She is strong and smart, but she deserves to be a speaker."
He added, "I can not imagine she needs too much, but no matter how many votes she needs, whether it's 50, 10, or two, or one, she gets them for me. , automatically. So tell his opponents that they are wasting their time. "
Pelosi, who has repeatedly said to be "confident", will resume her position as Speaker of the House of Representatives, which she held from 2007 to 2011, recently dismissed the idea that she would have may need the support of Republicans.
"Oh you like it, never," she said. "Never, never, come."
She added that she had "overwhelming support" within her caucus and had said, "I have the intention of winning the presidency with Democratic votes".
Jason Donner, Alex Pappas, Mike Emanuel and Adam Shaw of Fox News contributed to this report.
Source link
