Respected leaders backing Pelosi’s bid
Challengers lining up for House speaker seat
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers trying to oust Nancy Pelosi started rallying behind a possible contender Thursday, but the House Democratic leader gained key endorsements and said she has “overwhelming support” to become the next speaker.
Pelosi picked up backing from
Rep. John Lewis, D-GA., the civil rights leader, while a who’s-who of Democrats — including former Vice President Al Gore and former Secretary of State John Kerry — advocated on her behalf.
“Look, I’m supporting Pelosi,” said Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, the third-ranking Democrat and an influential leader of the Congressional Black Caucus. “But I would never tell anybody not to run.”
One member of the Black Caucus, Rep. Marcia Fudge of Ohio, indicated a willingness to run against Pelosi for speaker when lawmakers return after Thanksgiving for first-round voting. She’s an ally of Rep. Tim Ryan, D-ohio, who mounted an unsuccessful campaign against Pelosi two years ago and is a leader of the current effort to topple her.
Others may jump in, but have not yet.
Lewis, who marched during the civil rights era with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., said he’s supporting Pelosi “more than 100 percent.”
Pelosi has faced challenges before, but this one — fueled by newcomers calling for change and frustrated incumbents who feel shut out of leadership after her many years at the helm — poses perhaps the biggest threat yet.
With a narrow Democratic majority, now at 230 seats, she does not have much cushion to secure the 218 votes needed on the floor if all Republicans vote against her, as expected. Some House races remain undecided, and the Democratic majority could grow slightly.
There is a chance the math could shift in Pelosi’s favor if lawmakers are absent or simply vote “present,” meaning she would need fewer than 218 votes for an absolute majority. The full chamber will elect the next speaker Jan. 3.
Pelosi has remained steadfast in her pursuit of the gavel and welcomed all challengers. Her latest catchphrase: “Come on in, the water’s warm.”
Seventeen Democrats, led by
Rep. Seth Moulton, D-mass., have pledged to vote against Pelosi’s return as the first female speaker of the House.