Increasingly, House Democrats from moderate districts are calling on the enormously unpopular Nancy Pelosi not to run for speaker next year. The latest comes from Jason Altmire:
The sophomore Democratic lawmaker, who was part of the 40-plus class of “Majority Makers” that helped Democrats rise to power in 2006, stopped short of ruling out a vote for Pelosi for Speaker, but he said he would prefer that she step aside from the outset.
“I hope that she is not a candidate for Speaker,” he said. “I don’t think the issues that she’s pursued are good for the district I represent.”
A Democrat who represents the north Pittsburgh suburbs, Altmire has usually voted against the most controversial pieces of legislation in the 111th Congress – against cap-and-trade, against health care every step of the way (including on the Education and Labor Committee). His opponent, Keith Rothfus, has raised little money. Even so, Altmire is acting like he is in trouble. He’s running ads in the district attacking Rothfus for supporting free trade, which suggests that Altmire is worried about his blue-collar base in the western part of the district, rather than the swing areas in northern Allegheny County. And now this shot at Pelosi.
Real journalism.Trusted by millions.
Unlimited access to in-depth reporting, expert analysis, and the stories that shape our country.
Already a member? Log in
