Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the House, may resign her role as Minority Leader tomorrow after Republicans retained control of the House, according to multiple sources.
Pelosi, who became Minority Leader exactly ten years ago tomorrow, is the first woman to ever head a party in Congress.
“I’ll see you right here, 10 o’clock, tomorrow morning,” Congresswoman Pelosi told reporters today.
“The 72-year-old California Democrat served as speaker for two full terms, but remained as Democrats’ leader in the House following Republicans’ takeover of the chamber during the 2010 midterm elections,” NBC News reports:
Pelosi had scheduled leadership elections for a date slightly later than usual, prompting speculation that she might relinquish her role as the top Democrat in the House — a position she has held for a decade. Wednesday marks the 10 year anniversary of her ascension to that position.
Her tenure was most memorably defined by her tenure as speaker during the first two years of President Barack Obama’s first term, during which time Pelosi helped shepherd Obama’s landmark health care reform law to passage.
Pelosi’s departure could set off a tough battle between House Democrats to replace her. Among the candidates could be her No. 2, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) or Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) — among others.
Speaking of Congresswoman Schultz, Politico reports she would be “shocked” if Pelosi steps down.
“I think that’s probably the hottest question in the capitol right now,†the Florida Democrat said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.†“But, personally, if you ask me, I would be shocked if she left. It would really surprise me if she stepped aside.â€
…
As for her own future, Wasserman Schultz said she “was not focused on that right now†when asked if she would remain as chair of the Democratic National Committee. As head of the party, President Barack Obama will decide if Wasserman Schultz stays on.
Pelosi was the subject of a dirty Republican National Committee attack, engineered by former RNC head Michael Steele two years ago, called “Fire Pelosi.”
http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1