A few of 16 Democrats who signed the "Never Pelosi" pledge last month regret their signatures. The letter circulated last month ahead of the first leadership vote, read, in part, that while they were "thankful" for Rep. Nancy Pelosi's (D-CA) past leadership, they "also recognize that in this recent election, Democrats ran and won on a message of change.”
Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH), one of the letter's cosigners, even considered a leadership challenge. But she recoiled and eventually even announced her support for Pelosi.
New Yorker Brian Higgins also backtracked a bit. He initially opposed Pelosi, believing her to be "aloof, frenetic and misguided." But, she promised him she'd prioritize his health care bill and infrastructure and suddenly he too decided he was fine with the status quo. Pelosi won the initial speakership vote last week by 203-32.
At least one Democrat, Rep.-elect Anthony Brindisi, Higgins's fellow New Yorker, has not changed his mind about the California Democrat. And he told her so right in her office.
"We had a very cordial conversation," Brindisi said. "I reiterated what I said on the campaign trail: I think it's time for change and new leadership."
Of course, with a month to go until the speakership election, some senior Democrats have reached out to Brindisi. He insists, however, they have not pressured him to change his vote.
"There was no message," Brindisi said. "They were just asking me about my vote for speaker. I said that I made a pledge during the campaign that I was not going to vote for Leader Pelosi, and I intend to follow through with that commitment.
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"Honestly, there was really no pressure," he added. "They just wanted to know where I stood."
That's not to say he doesn't fear any retribution.
"But I'd be lying if I didn't say I was concerned," Brindisi admitted. "I want to be on an equal footing with all of the other members. I would hope my decision not to support her doesn't hurt our district."
The final speakership vote is scheduled for January 3. Pelosi needs at least 218 votes to reclaim the gavel.
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