Connolly defeats Ocasio-Cortez to lead Democrats on Oversight panel
Source: The Hill
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) on Tuesday defeated Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) to lead Democrats on the Oversight and Accountability Committee in the next Congress, putting the feisty liberal veteran in one of the most powerful spots to confront President Trump in his second term.
The win was forecast a day earlier, when the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee voted to recommend the seat to Connolly, who has a decade more experience than Ocasio-Cortez on the powerful committee.
The non-binding Steering vote lent a symbolic boost to Connolly, 74, but his victory was ultimately decided by the full Caucus, which huddled behind closed doors Tuesday morning in the Capitol basement and voted by secret ballot to give him the coveted seat.
Connolly also got some help from former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who endorsed his bid and lobbied actively on his behalf in the lead up to this weeks votes.
Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5044107-connolly-ocasio-cortez-oversight-committee-democrats/
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Dennis Donovan
(27,400 posts)I was rooting for AOC, but you're a good member of congress, too.
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Omaha Steve This message was self-deleted by its author.
LetMyPeopleVote
(155,514 posts)Link to tweet
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Connolly won the majority of the House Democratic caucus in a closed-door meeting on Tuesday after Ocasio-Cortez challenged the initial recommendation from the steering committee on Monday.
The results of the secret ballot were 131-84.
What this means for Dems: Connollys victory signifies the party did not want to embrace Ocasio-Cortez to lead the coveted committee, as Democrats grapple with who can be their most effective leader as they look to rebuild after Republicans swept Washington in the 2024 elections.
The position became available after the current top Democrat on Oversight, Rep. Jamie Raskin, challenged Rep. Jerry Nadler, to lead Democrats on the Judiciary Committee, prompting Nadler to bow out.
ZonkerHarris
(25,421 posts)Skittles
(160,292 posts)WE NEED CHANGE
sakabatou
(43,250 posts)Boomers are still the majority in Congress, but Gen X will take over at some point.
Skittles
(160,292 posts)ya know?
sakabatou
(43,250 posts)The make-up of Congress? That'll take time.
Polybius
(18,354 posts)He served his time well in the House of course.