You just have to love the Dem infighting : The Congressional Black Caucus has decided to withhold its approval for the House Democratic leadership team, denying Speaker Nancy Pelosi full support of the 42-member organization as she campaigns to remain leader. After a nearly two hour long meeting on Monday night, chairwoman Barbara Lee of California said the group only will endorse caucus member James Clyburn of South Carolina for a leadership position. The causus first wants to know what his role will be in the Democratic leadership before backing the full slate. “We fully support our current Whip, Mr. Clyburn, for the number three position and we are currently reserving judgment on the entire package until we see what the actual portfolio entails, in terms of responsibilities,” Lee said. Clyburn was basically given the job of “president of the back of the bus” with this fictional third leadership position . However, this is all kabuki theater on the part of the racist caucus because they’ll all vote for Pelosi no matter what their stated objections.
Continue reading …One side was pretty cheerful while the other mourns what Pelosi and Obamacare hath wrought: Dejected Democrats wiped away tears on the House floor Monday night while Republicans congratulated themselves on winning back control of the lower chamber. House members returned to the nation’s capital for the first time since Republicans captured the House two weeks ago. Freshman Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-Ill.), who lost her reelection bid, wiped away tears as she hugged fellow members of the class of 2008, many of whom lost on Nov. 2. Less than three feet away, ousted Nevada freshman Rep. Dina Titus (D) appeared to brush away some tears in a less obvious manner. The mood was much different on the other side of the aisle. Joyful House GOP lawmakers, who will take control of the House in January with at least 85 new members, made no effort to conceal their elation. Republicans slapped backs, shook hands and laughed with each other, while their dejected Democratic colleagues huddled in clusters consoling themselves. Lest some think the GOP is being mean, let’s not forget all that celebrating and “happy days are here again” crap the Dems gave us in 2006.
Continue reading …Probably won’t make a difference, but it could provide some entertainment value : North Carolina Rep. Heath Shuler told Fox News on Monday he is following through with his vow to challenge Speaker Nancy Pelosi for the role of the House’s top Democrat when the party moves into the minority in the next Congress. Shuler said he’s making good on his campaign promise to challenge Pelosi for minority leader, adding that he’s had a respectful relationship with Pelosi but would always be direct with her. It’s an uphill battle, he acknowledged, but the Democrats lost in the recent midterm elections, and he thinks Pelosi is partly responsible for that loss. The challenge comes as House Democrats just avoided a messy leadership struggle between Reps. Steny Hoyer of Maryland and James Clyburn of South Carolina for the No. 2 post of their new minority. Pelosi brokered a deal that will allow Hoyer to become second in command while Clyburn receives a new position that will be labeled the third-ranking post in leadership. But several Democrats, most of them moderates from conservative districts, have made clear that they won’t support Pelosi’s leadership bid after their party suffered historic losses to Republicans last week. He’ll probably get skunked, but everyone will be watching to see how much support he gets in the caucus.
Continue reading …Shortly after veteran Rep. Charles Rangel of New York walked out of his ethics trial in protest, a House panel began closed-door deliberations on 13 counts of alleged financial and fundraising misconduct. AP’s Jerry Bodlander reports. (Nov. 15)
Continue reading …Shortly after veteran Rep. Charles Rangel of New York walked out of his ethics trial in protest, a House panel began closed-door deliberations on 13 counts of alleged financial and fundraising misconduct. AP’s Jerry Bodlander reports. (Nov. 15)
Continue reading …Shortly after veteran Rep. Charles Rangel of New York walked out of his ethics trial in protest, a House panel began closed-door deliberations on 13 counts of alleged financial and fundraising misconduct. AP’s Jerry Bodlander reports. (Nov. 15)
Continue reading …Shortly after veteran Rep. Charles Rangel of New York walked out of his ethics trial in protest, a House panel began closed-door deliberations on 13 counts of alleged financial and fundraising misconduct. AP’s Jerry Bodlander reports. (Nov. 15)
Continue reading …By Pat Bagley, Cagle Cartoons, Salt Lake Tribune Related Entries October 26, 2010 GOP on Track to Take the House September 30, 2010 Déjà Vu With Your Host, John Boehner
Continue reading …Rep. Charles Rangel of New York, saying “50 years of public service is on the line,” implored a House ethics panel Monday to postpone his ethics trial until he can get a new lawyer. (Nov. 15)
Continue reading …Reuters is conducing an online poll with the following questions:
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