Nancy Pelosi Urged To Stay By Progressives In Last-Minute Bid

[Tx4obama]

Nancy Pelosi Urged To Stay By Progressives In Last-Minute Bid

WASHINGTON -- Progressive allies of House Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi are launching a furious last-minute bid to persuade to her to stay in her position, just 12 hours ahead of her scheduled announcement of her decision.

MoveOn.org, liberal members of Congress and progressive activists in Washington are working to whip together an effort to convince Pelosi that her work in Congress is far from done. If Pelosi steps down, her position will go to Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), a moderate Democrat with ties to business. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), with close ties to the financial industry, would also expand her power base. Pelosi's base of grassroots progressives and what she calls "idealistic money" -- wealthy liberals who give to the party, rather than to boost business interests -- allowed her to be the most liberal House speaker in congressional history.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), a top House progressive, spoke with Pelosi on the House floor Tuesday and came away unsure what decision she would make. "It just seems to me that at this moment in history, we need a woman to lead us," Schakowsky told HuffPost, adding that the "very treacherous water of budget negotiations" make Pelosi's decision all the more important. A lame duck leadership, Schakowsky argued, would be unable to fully earn the loyalty of the Democratic caucus. Schakowsky also noted the $80 million she said Pelosi raised for Democrats in this year's elections.

Robert Creamer, Schakowsky's husband and a Democratic activist, argued that only Pelosi would be able to unite the caucus in favor of such efforts as immigration reform. Hoyer is well liked in the caucus, but doesn't have the same ability as Pelosi to whip liberal votes.

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Full article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/13/nancy-pelosi-stay-progressives_n_2126778.html

[David__77]

1. It Hoyer takes it, the Democrats are completely screwed.

The progressive caucus must exercise leadership of the House caucus.

[Mothdust]

2. glad to see this post

While its great fun talking stink about GOP , I'd also like to see more positive stuff about our people. Ohio State senator, Nina Turner has been outspoken, and I like her style a lot : ) Think she could go far with the right support?

[Coyotl]

3. Go Nancy!