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Heath Shuler Would Challenge Pelosi For House Minority Leader
Post<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/04/heath-shuler-minority-leader_n_779052.html>

*The Huffington Post* | Nick Wing First Posted: 11- 4-10 02:47
PM | Updated: 11- 4-10 03:00 PM

Nancy Pelosi's demotion from Speaker of the House could end up being a few
more steps down if Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) has his way, as reports now
suggest that the Blue Dog Democrat will challenge her for the House minority
leader position.

"If there's not a viable alternative [to Pelosi] -- like I said all along --
I can go recruit moderate Members to run in swing districts," Shuler said on
Thursday <http://www.rollcall.com/news/-200200-1.html>. "In that situation,
I could do it better than she could, and that's what it's going to take.
It's going to take moderate candidates to win back those seats."

Pelosi has not said whether she will pursue the leadership post.

Shuler announced<http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20101028/NEWS/310270064>
his
intention to challenge Pelosi late last month during a debate with his
opponent, Jeff Miller, whom he
defeated<http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/house-races/127199-would-be-pelosi-challenger-shuler-wins->
on
Tuesday.

"If there is no viable alternative (to Pelosi), I will be running for
speaker of the house," Shuler said during that exchange. The top House spot
in the Democratic party will now be minority leader following the shift of
power.

The Blue Dog was seeking to overcome a supposed proximity to Pelosi and
other Democrats to combat an anti-incumbent, anti-Democratic tide in his
conservative western North Carolina district, so it was unclear if his words
were simply an empty promise as part of politically expedient campaign
rhetoric. Now, however, it looks like he's making good on that claim.

So far, Shuler would be the first to announce his plans to seek the minority
leader position, but considering the number of
Democrats<http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/10/antipelosi-dem.php>
who
expressed coolness or outright opposition to the Speaker, more could be on
the way.

Represenatative Jason Altmire (Pa.) and Mike McIntyre (N.C.) both directly
declared that they wouldn't support Pelosi during their campaigns.

In an interview
Wednesday<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/03/nancy-pelosi-interview-no_n_778660.html>,
Pelosi said she has not yet decided her future plans.

--
Eric D. Schwerin
Rosemont Seneca Partners
(202) 333-1880
eschwerin@rosemontseneca.co