Right now, as we speak, the Democratic Party is currently engaged in the process of picking out its top dog for the House Oversight Committee. Right now, the individual occupying that position is Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, who has announced his attempt to become the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, leaving this spot open for someone new. There are currently two individuals that are practically slobbering all over themselves to be put in Raskin’s place.
One of those Democrats is New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is currently 35-years-old. However, there’s someone in the party who wants to ensure that never, ever happens and that is none other than Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, who is 84. Who does Pelosi want to see be placed in this highly influential position on the Oversight Committee? Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia, according to an article published by Punchbowl News.
“Sources familiar with the situation say Pelosi has been ‘making calls’ to Democratic colleagues, actively urging them to support Connolly’s bid over AOC. The move highlights Pelosi’s continued influence within the party and her preference for a seasoned member like Connolly to lead the Democrats on the high-profile panel,” Trending Politics News reported.
Connolly, who has served in Congress since 2009, is seen as a steady and experienced hand with a more traditional approach to oversight matters. AOC, a vocal progressive and member of “The Squad,” represents a younger, more combative faction of the party, which has often found itself at odds with Pelosi’s leadership style. Interestingly, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) has expressed a favorable view of working with AOC, describing her as “very well-spoken” and suggesting that she would be a capable ranking member.
“I want to ask you about AOC, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, announcing her bid for the top Democrat spot on your committee. What are your thoughts? Would you like to co-chair with her?” CNN host Pamela Brown went on to ask.
“I’m a big AOC fan,” Comer replied. “I — obviously, I don’t agree with very much of her policy, but I think she’s a good person. I think she’s very well-spoken. I did not have a good relationship with Jamie Raskin. I don’t think that’s any secret. I tell the press when they ask about the race for a ranking member, the Democrats have nowhere to go but up after having Jamie Raskin for the last four years. So, I think AOC would be great. Gerry Connolly would be great.”
Comer then said, “I know Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, they have all — their names have been thrown in the hat. But I certainly look forward to working with the next ranking member. And if it’s AOC, I think we will have a good working relationship. We will obviously have a lot of differences on policy, but I think she’s a — I think she’s a good, well-spoken person for the Democrats to serve in that position.”
Based on discussions with twelve members and staffers who spoke with Politico, AOC has garnered the support of most Democrats on the panel. However, the Steering and Policy Committee and the entire caucus make the final decision.
While the senior members of the Democratic Party have stated that AOC is being viewed as the frontrunner against Connolly, they have stressed that the race is still undecided. Even the Democrats have an establishment wing that is waging war against the younger cats in the party that are pretty far to the left and incredibly idealistic. As far as one can be on the political left anyway.
“According to two House Democrats who are aware of her efforts, Pelosi has been actively contacting colleagues and encouraging them to support Connolly in his race against AOC,” the report concluded.
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