Top Democrat Jim Clyburn says he’ll run for speaker if Nancy Pelosi falls short in support
by Caitlin Yilek
| August 16, 2018 09:29 AM
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The third-ranking House Democrat says he intends to run for House speaker if Democrats retake the majority and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who has already signaled she’ll run for the leadership post, fails to get sufficient support in the caucus.
“If the opportunity is there I would absolutely do it,†Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina told the New York Times.
Clyburn said he would be able to “transform†the party, according to McClatchy, who first reported his intentions Tuesday.
The 78-year-old member of the Congressional Black Caucus came under pressure last week at a group retreat to challenge Pelosi, who needs 218 votes to secure the speakership position. Clyburn, however, said he still supports Pelosi for now.
He also said a black speaker would “put to bed forever the notion that the Democratic caucus is taking black voters for granted.â€
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