Politics

Senate Democrats Add Warren To Leadership As Reid Faces Opposition In Own Party

Patrick Howley Political Reporter
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Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren was appointed as one of the top policymakers in the Senate Democratic caucus Thursday as the party reels from its staggering midterm election loss.

Nevada Sen. Harry Reid was elected Minority Leader but Democrats in his caucus demanded that a formal vote be held for the position, a departure from some previous Reid-won leadership contests. Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Claire McCaskill of Missouri chose not to vote for Reid. The three and a half-hour leadership meeting was reportedly tense. (RELATED: Three Republicans Vote Against Boehner For Speaker).

Warren gained a party leadership position that was created just for her: strategic policy adviser to the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. In the role, Warren will help design Democratic policy while also serving as the leadership team’s “liaison” to progressive groups. Some members of the Democratic caucus said that they were not briefed on the creation of Warren’s position. New York Sen. Chuck Schumer will continue to lead the committee, which will be vice-chaired by Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin will serve as assistant minority leader. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar will serve as chairman of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee. Washington Sen. Patty Murray will serve as Senate Democratic conference secretary.

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