House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s announcement today that she is running for minority leader in the next Congress creates the musical-chairs effect of leaving one of two other current Democratic leaders to be the odd man out.
That reality appears to already be pitting Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., against Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., in a fight over what would be the No. 2 job in the Democratic minority leadership team.
Hoyer is currently the No. 2 Democrat in the House majority, with Clyburn in the No. 3 post. But a different ladder of leadership jobs is in place for the minority party, in which the whip is ranked second, behind only the minority leader.
Hoyer says he’s exploring a run for minority whip, while Clyburn has already announced he’s running for the post.
The battle – which would play out behind closed doors as both men scramble for the support of their Democratic colleagues in leadership elections later this month – threatens to be bruising.
Both are popular; their bases are different.
Hoyer is a darling of more-moderate Blue Dogs, and is seen by many members as deserving of a better fate than remaining second fiddle to Pelosi.
Clyburn has support from the Congressional Black Caucus, and is also seen as deserving a better fate than having to battle Hoyer for essentially the job he has held.
Aides on both sides say they have already been speaking to colleagues and collecting support.
House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn
In “a Dear Colleague” letter to fellow Democrats today, Clyburn wrote: “I am seeking your support and vote for Democratic Whip. Throughout the course of my tenure, I have demonstrated the ability and willingness to give selfless service to our Caucus. My record of leadership in our Caucus has prepared me well for the challenges ahead.”
In a statement released by his office, Hoyer said: "In the days since the election, I have received an outpouring of support from Democratic colleagues who have told me that I should remain in our party’s leadership, so that our Caucus can hit the ground running with a strong, tested leadership team.
“Over the next several days, I will continue to speak to my colleagues about serving our Caucus as Democratic Whip, and I will announce a decision after I have consulted with them.”
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Sign up for National Journal’s AM & PM Must Reads. News and analysis to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Leave a Comment