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11/14/2018 08:00 AM EDT


By Nolan D. McCaskill (nmccaskill@politico.com or @NolanDMcCaskill)

With an assist from Burgess Everett and Elana Schor

PELOSI TARGETS INCOMING FRESHMEN -- House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is running a charm offensive to win over incoming freshmen, an effort that includes private meetings, dinners with members-elect and their spouses, and the deployment of Democratic heavyweights. Pelosi made a surprise appearance at the Congressional Progressive Caucus' freshman orientation Monday and held a reception Tuesday afternoon at an Italian restaurant by the D.C. waterfront. "On Wednesday, the members-elect will be introduced to their colleagues at a Democratic Caucus meeting, a lengthy process that will put them onstage with Pelosi," Bres, Rachael and Kyle report.

"The California Democrat will follow that up with an appearance at the Congressional Black Caucus, a powerful faction inside the Democratic Caucus," they continue. "Then, Pelosi will host a private dinner for members-elect and their spouses Wednesday evening in Statuary Hall, right off the House floor." Democratic Party luminaries, including former Vice President Al Gore, former Secretary of State John Kerry and Govs. Andrew Cuomo of New York and Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania, are making calls on Pelosi's behalf. Pelosi herself has also made calls -- and held private meetings -- to members-elect.

"It's all part of the 'Pelosi for Speaker' blitz, with the California Democrat showing off every trick in her vast arsenal of persuasive tactics as she works to round up the votes she needs to win two upcoming votes: one inside the Democratic Caucus on Nov. 28, and the critical one on the House floor Jan. 3," they write. "While Pelosi will easily get a majority inside the Democratic Caucus, how she handles that vote is crucial. Letting some members and members-elect vote against her so they can say they opposed her, for example, would then free them up to back her on the floor. That will set the stage for the run-up to the Jan. 3 vote, where the stakes will be far higher." More:
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=7f4fa85ff191db9436489fd233664559d45432b4ddcf0930fd4c3c2952877fcedff0fa1db5073b84b90813bb56506ae6

Related: "Nine Democrats want promises from Pelosi in exchange for speaker votes," by The Washington Post's Mike DeBonis: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=529c152330a449208b696632225c9e3baf9d8dd476b282f5cf7d2618de29ab91663d0616f47cd82f10143c49bb4c6895 and "Anti-Pelosi Democrats Claim They Have Numbers to Block Her in Speaker Floor Vote," from Roll Call's Lindsey McPherson: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=7f4fa85ff191db94518f4ecd200c2981f3daa3c31b5c3dd08c9bb0ddab32dabcf3362f88bebd6d9fc1a30344c536946f

HOYER HAS THE VOTES -- House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) has already clinched enough votes to become majority leader in the next Congress. "Despite calls for new leadership, Hoyer has faced the least resistance among House Democrats' big three," Bres and I note. "He has the support of at least two-thirds of the incoming Democratic Caucus, according to a letter obtained by POLITICO." More than 150 Democrats announced their support for Hoyer in a "Dear Colleague" letter Tuesday afternoon, casting him as the best person for the job. The diversity of the signatories, which range from progressives to Blue Dogs, highlights Hoyer's broad support within the caucus. More:
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=7f4fa85ff191db9411f2545cbe830c9370f48ccc54a94d0d34befbb8e192cfa3300091669b6047c5debacc241a02303b

Related reads: "Left treads carefully as Dems taste power," per Elana: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=529c152330a449201a1b90357b892968f47fca84dc30bf47bd728a8776f5a8c4cfbea0f7334f887cea3962f0f94ba2e0 and "Will Dems work with us, or simply put partisan politics ahead of the country?" via Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.): http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=7f4fa85ff191db94830687665c2a4166959e0c9f979a32e8d16badef8eb6d28c202283d45196d03298b54e0b4db132af

CLYBURN WARNS OF DOG WHISTLES IN WHIP RACE -- Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) is the only top Democrat who has a challenger for leadership in the next Congress: Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.). But the assistant Democratic leader says detractors are using "dog whistles" to undermine his race. "Someone came to me over the weekend and told me that (they heard), when I was whip before, I was a figurehead," Clyburn said. He dismissed that notion, saying, "Nothing could be further from the truth." Clyburn, however, isn't blaming his opponent for the attacks. And DeGette's spokesman says the congresswoman "categorically and respectfully" denies using racially-charged talking points. More:
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=7f4fa85ff191db941eb70e9cad5cf7b9e4c7791d2092e5f71c96dded5d8d2c09dec6cd9a430b974da1789a2fa03deb24

Related: "Why Young, Talented Democrats Flee the House," by The Atlantic's Elaina Plott: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=7f4fa85ff191db94fe4750ec91d9c4b4587a34b4ceffee48b4777ac7a7bfff16cae1fbe16995ec050a486aaab53a278d

HAPPY WEDNESDAY! Thanks for reading Huddle, the play-by-play guide to all things Capitol Hill, on this Nov. 14.

TUESDAY'S MOST CLICKED: The Associated Press' report on how Maine's new ranked-choice voting is facing a test in the 2nd Congressional District race was the winner.

** A message from the American Clinical Laboratory Association: Millions of seniors depend on lab tests to manage medical conditions and stay healthy. Deep cuts to Medicare lab services made in 2018, and growing in 2019, further jeopardize seniors' access to the care they need. Congress must act now to protect America's seniors. Learn More. **

TRUMP MEDDLES IN GOP LEADERSHIP RACE -- President Donald Trump has urged House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to cut a deal with Freedom Caucus co-founder Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who is challenging McCarthy for minority leader in the next Congress. "It remains unclear what exactly the deal would entail," Rachael, Bres and Kyle report. "The discussions between the president and McCarthy about Jordan, which took place last week, set off a round of speculation among lawmakers inside the Capitol that Trump may try to push Jordan to become the top Republican lawmaker on the House Judiciary Committee, a panel expected to launch an array of Democratic investigations against the president
-- and possibly even an impeachment probe."

Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski told MSNBC that Jordan will be the panel's ranking member. Trump believes Jordan would be a ferocious defender, and the Ohio Republican wants the post. "But McCarthy does not have authority to unilaterally appoint a lawmaker to any ranking member position," they note. "Rather, the decision is up to the Republican Steering Committee, a collection of members who do not like Jordan and may not take their cues from the White House." More: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=7f4fa85ff191db946f8e0c79a45a2838c0d5ec41f42baec0eca5b1643410aa50f10589e10dc1ce2313269272c5f23b10

Related read: "Stung by election losses, House GOP weighs leadership choice," from The Associated Press' Lisa Mscaro: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=7f4fa85ff191db94b89a4a6adf1897823cb8542be22683a5f05b2aa140b615169957705e9d75e55f572a86c9771bd371

SHUTDOWN WATCH -- The upcoming government funding fight will center on the president's border wall and special counsel Robert Mueller. "Democrats said Tuesday they might insist that language protecting Mueller's job security be included in a must-pass spending bill due by Dec. 7," Burgess reports. "With Mueller's probe on Russian interference in the 2016 election winding down and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) loath to bring up a standalone Mueller-protection bill, Democrats argue it could be their last chance to shield the special counsel from Trump. Meanwhile, the president and his GOP allies are asking for a significant funding boost for border security in order for Trump
to sign the government spending bill." Much more: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=7f4fa85ff191db9414d5ab564420142bc56032d44168c3cdf8e98b1102dfead56f4764ed268e9ac60c22f0e583a35152

FIRST IN HUDDLE: NEW POLLING ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE BILL -- As the president nears a potential endorsement of bipartisan criminal justice legislation that's been shepherded by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and presidential son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner, one of the leading groups backing the deal is coming out with new polling showing broad, aisle-crossing support for its core provisions.

The polling, released by the nonprofit Justice Action Network, was conducted by the GOP firm Public Opinion Strategies and shows 76 percent of voters agreeing that judges should be not be bound by mandatory minimum sentences for offenses they feel don't merit such a harsh punishment. In addition, the polling showed 87 percent of voters agreeing on the ability of incarcerated individuals to get credits for good behavior as well as engaging in training and treatment programs.

COMMITTEE SHUFFLE -- Grassley is mulling whether to stay atop the Judiciary Committee or chair the Finance Committee. His decision "will have significant ramifications for his colleagues and for Congress as a whole," Burgess writes. "Grassley has long said he would make his decision immediately after the midterms, presumably to see who captured the majority. But now he says he needs more time to talk to GOP senators that will be affected by his decision given the domino effect Grassley will produce either way." He signaled he'll make a decision within "a few days."

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) would likely chair the Judiciary Committee if Grassley went to Finance, giving him authority to oversee the confirmation of a new attorney general nominee and conservative judges. But if Grassley stays, Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) would be in line to chair the Finance Committee, and Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) would be favored to succeed Crapo as chair of the Banking Committee. "Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) is likely to be the new Commerce Committee chairman since current Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) is becoming party whip," Burgess adds, "and Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) is expected to take over at Senate Foreign Relations with the retirement of Chairman Bob Corker
(R-Tenn.)." More: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=7f4fa85ff191db944a4db3fb6bdbd8c9fb5abd1006e2bd953f47748501fc087cb25098008e4cf25aea8f560e03104d16

DOWN GOES DENHAM -- Democrat Josh Harder has ousted Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.). Fellow California Republicans Steve Knight and Dana Rohrabacher were also defeated this month, and Democrats picked up an open seat held by outgoing Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.). "Two other California seats, both now held by Republicans, are still being counted: The 39th (an open seat formerly held by Ed Royce) and the 45th (now held by Mimi Walters)," POLITICO reports. "Overall, seven House districts remain uncalled throughout the nation, including one each in Georgia, Maine, New Jersey, Texas and Utah. Not counting those districts, Democrats hold an edge of 229-199 heading into the new session of Congress, a
net gain of 34 seats." More: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=7f4fa85ff191db941ef33108584522d18e1b26c96c51500b4008991c75a1f061f64ae4742cd4028d976b497940aaece3

Related: "Poliquin sues to stop ranked-choice count, saying process could be illegal," via the Portland Press Herald's Kevin Miller and Scott Thistle: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=7f4fa85ff191db942e9bdd404cac6024c7b058e26b69796ca1e9b3c698d55953021d34fe551fe460f204c2973b8659da

RETIREMENT WATCH -- Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) is already the subject of some steady rumors that he may not run for reelection in 2020. In an interview on Tuesday evening, Durbin gave nothing away but expects to quell the rumors soon enough. "I'll make that decision public soon," he said. "But I'm doing everything I can to get ready. I'm not going to announce any decision today." Durbin, 73, has served in Congress since 1983, representing Illinois first in the House and then in the Senate.

Related read: "Kyl: No decision on how long to serve in Senate," by Elana: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=529c152330a44920e1d23fd96c14fdc8ed5170180c94e5c18881d344f5a10b521e2d19871829b41111ee59ec01b1e435 and "Schumer sees Nelson victory after recount," from Burgess: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=7f4fa85ff191db94ba83a9fe9834cbaeaf0de95bab0e1ac1359b8ed2985016ce0156d4ba90fe824b323a4cd926d9d689

2020 WATCH -- Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) is seeking the Cory Booker (D-N.J.) treatment. "Salem sources tell [Willamette Week] Merkley has quietly asked state legislators for a change in Oregon law so he can run for both president and the U.S. Senate in 2020," Nigel Jaquiss reports. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy recently signed a bill allowing Booker to seek the Senate and White House simultaneously. "Merkley served as speaker of the Oregon House in 2007 and retains a reservoir of goodwill in that chamber," Jaquiss adds. "He may face more resistance to changing the law in the Senate, where Democrats are more conservative." More: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=7f4fa85ff191db948f689477df239c287e68d03b009f7d0da9720faa292abdc3d3a1087f9b352e9ebd1b593e475d492d

Booker, meanwhile, told Yahoo Finance he's considering a presidential run. Booker insisted he's focused on his reelection to the Senate in 2020 but will consider a White House bid down the road. "Now is not the time to do that," he said. "I'm running for reelection, but will I take some time over the coming months to consider it? I absolutely will." More: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=7f4fa85ff191db94683f6849a7b414a223032c10c04a1f7589eb39da3be20cda3047958aef99889340737c1c9104205b

Related: "Bloomberg charts aggressive timeline on 2020 bid," via The Associated Press' Steve Peoples: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=529c152330a44920b85753778d6bcca08daf37893b1ede2f5b48c0a3846825b17f15d3337488f717eebcdcf737a5c312 "New effort promises 1,000 trained Democratic staffers for 2020," per Natasha Korecki: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=529c152330a449207624a1df0eec4763af47425aa7336573d335a21f623d87d9f55c0df8df854f5c4d46e62bfd64425f

TRANSITIONS -- Thomas Clees is now vice president of public policy at the Recording Industry Association of America. He was previously a senior policy adviser and counsel for Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.).

Lewis H. Myers III is now director of operations for Del. Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.). He was previously a scheduler for Rep. Norma Torres (D-Calif.).

Lizzie Litzow is joining FEMA as press secretary. She most recently was communications director for Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas).

Valeria Carranza is joining Montgomery County, Maryland, Councilmember-at-Large Evan Glass as chief of staff. She most recently was deputy chief of staff and legislative director for Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.).

TODAY IN CONGRESS -- The House gavels in at 12 p.m. with first and last votes expected between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Today's agenda: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=529c152330a449203f5a6e7b1d1100a16251c0d7c8325b75578b5a1c773095849af2de4f6a425ab94966b1195fb3dd2a The Senate meets at 2 p.m. to resume consideration of Coast Guard reauthorization. At approximately 2:15 p.m., the chamber will hold a roll call vote.

AROUND THE HILL -- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will hold a photo/video availability with newly elected GOP senators at 9:15 a.m. in S-230.

The Senate Republican Conference will hold a meeting to elect leaders for the 116th Congress at 9:30 a.m. in the Old Senate Chamber.

Reps. Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.) and Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) will hold a hearing on reducing the risk of mass atrocities at 10 a.m. in 2200 Rayburn.

The House Administration Committee will hold a photo opportunity for the members-elect of the 116th Congress at 10:30 a.m. on the East Front Plaza of the Capitol.

Newly elected Senate Republican leadership will hold a news conference at 11 a.m. in the Ohio Clock Corridor.

Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Reps. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) and Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) will participate in a discussion on the first 100 days of the 116th Congress at the National Action Network's legislative and policy conference at 11 a.m. in 325 Russell.

Reps. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Alma Adams (D-N.C.), Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) and Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) will participate in an education forum on boosting educational opportunity at 11:40 a.m. in 325 Russell.

Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) will hold a news conference to discuss a report on the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls at 11:45 a.m. in SVC-214.

House Republicans will hold a closed meeting to elect leadership beginning at noon in 1100 Longworth.

Res. Com. Jenniffer Gonzalez (R-P.R.) will hold a news conference on the Puerto Rico Integrity In Medicare Advantage Act at 12 p.m. in the House Triangle.

Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) and Del Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.) will participate in an immigration and homeland security forum at 12:20 p.m. in 325 Russell.

Senate Republican and Democratic leaders will hold separate news conferences after their weekly policy lunches starting around 2 p.m. in the Ohio Clock Corridor.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) will hold a discussion on empowering women in economic life at 2 p.m. in 2075 Rayburn.

TUESDAY'S TRIVIA WINNER -- Jessica Markowitz was first to correctly guess that Chester A. Arthur was the first president to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge.

TODAY'S TRIVIA -- From Jessica: Which first lady was married to her first cousin? Who was the first president to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge? The first person to correctly guess gets a mention in the next edition of Huddle. Send your best guess my way: nmccaskill@politico.com.

GET HUDDLE emailed to your phone each morning.

** A message from the American Clinical Laboratory Association: America's seniors depend on reliable access to clinical laboratories to ensure effective monitoring, diagnosis and management of their medical conditions. Last year, CMS made deep cuts to Medicare lab services putting this access at risk. Unfortunately in 2019 seniors will face another round of drastic cuts to lab tests including tests for some of the most commonly diagnosed conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Recently CMS has made some changes, but those changes do not stop the next two years of double-digit cuts. Millions of beneficiaries are counting on action from Congress to ensure they have access to the
lab tests they need. It's time to make sure the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) is implemented in the right way. Learn More. **

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