Politics

Moderates Unsure About Pelosi

Pat McMahon Contributor
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Nancy Pelosi ’s support among moderate Democrats appears to be eroding, with more than a handful refusing to commit to supporting her for Speaker next year.

The list includes Reps. Bobby Bright (Ala.), Jim Marshall (Ga.), Gene Taylor (Miss.) and Walt Minnick (Idaho), who recently declined to publicly support Pelosi for another two-year term. Roughly a half-dozen other moderate Democrats also demurred when asked whether they would vote to let Pelosi keep the gavel.

Moderates in tough races have been distancing themselves from the liberal Democratic leader in recent weeks, even running ads touting their independence from Pelosi and President Barack Obama . Pelosi has served as Speaker since 2007, and assuming Democrats retain the House on Nov. 2, is expected to stand for another two years in the job.

“I would prefer a conservative Democrat, a Blue Dog Democrat like myself,” said Bright, who is a freshman. “If that doesn’t happen, then I will vote for who I think will allow me to represent my constituents the best.”

Full story: CQ Politics | Moderates Unsure About Pelosi