Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is poised to win support from an overwhelming majority of her caucus Wednesday when Democrats nominate their candidate for speaker and vote on the rest of their leadership team.
But regardless of Pelosi’s margin of victory Wednesday, her ascension to the speakership is not a done deal — not yet.
The renegade group of Democrats bent on forcing her out refuse to back down and say they have the stamina to take their fight to the floor in January.
The closely watched caucus vote will offer little insight into the strength of the opposition campaign against Pelosi. There is no alternative candidate and the ballot is secret, giving members plenty of cover to vote against her in caucus but then support her on the floor.
“We know what’s going to happen [Wednesday] and the issue is still going to be whether she can get the votes on the floor and the votes just aren’t there,” said New York Democrat Kathleen Rice, a leader of the rebel group.
Rice denied that the detractors were softening or giving up on their crusade. “It’s going to be fluid,” she said.
Fellow Pelosi critic Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., said defectors are “not going to make a big play” of the caucus vote. They’re focused on Jan. 3, Schrader said.
But Pelosi is within striking distance. About 20 members are currently prepared to vote against her when the entire Congress votes for the next speaker. Pelosi needs to peel away roughly three more members in that camp, something her allies expect her to do with relative ease. In the last week, Pelosi picked off two key agitators, including a potential rival.
[Read: Nancy Pelosi takes major step toward becoming House speaker as chief foe Marcia Fudge backs her]
“We all agree that history is in a hurry, and we need to accelerate the pace of change in Congress,” Pelosi wrote on the eve of the caucus vote. “We have been blessed with a Democratic Caucus now enhanced by an historic freshman class. My responsibility is to recognize the myriad of talent and tools at our disposal to take us in to the future by showcasing the idealism, intellect and imagination of our Caucus.”
Pelosi made her final pitch to new members Tuesday as freshmen sat for hours listening to candidates in every leadership race. Newly elected Connecticut Democrat Jahana Hayes, who had previously voiced opposition to Pelosi, endorsed the longtime Democratic leader ahead of the caucus vote. Hayes said Pelosi acknowledged the concerns of freshman members, who want to be included in policy decisions and have frequent contact with leadership.
Hayes voiced frustration with the movement against Pelosi because of its chaotic rollout and inability to offer a challenger.
“I’m not sure I understand it,” Hayes told reporters. “If we are truly attempting to be solution-driven, then when you vote ‘no,’ then present a solution or offer up some alternative or a candidate.”
