Steny Hoyer, James Clyburn To Battle For Minority Whip
Nancy Pelosi’s decision to stay on as House Minority Leader has set up what could be a contentious battle for the No. 2 spot in the Democratic Caucus:
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Rep. James Clyburn says he’s seeking the No. 2 job in the House Democratic leadership, setting up a possible showdown with the current second in command, Steny Hoyer.
Clyburn of South Carolina made the announcement in a letter to his colleagues on Friday. He says the Democratic caucus is at a crossroads and he is a proven leader.
Clyburn is the House’s highest ranking African-American and his challenge sets up a contest with the current Democratic No. 2, Hoyer of Maryland
Clyburn is generally seen as more liberal than Hoyer so this will set up a battle between those who say that Democrats need to learn a lesson from the election results and not push an aggressive progressive agenda that has clearly been rejected, and those who say that the party has not been progressive enough. There is also, of course, the added fact that Clyburn is one of the longest serving African-American Members of Congress.
This will be an interesting battle to watch.
