The Only Credible Challenger to Nancy Pelosi's Speakership Just Endorsed Nancy Pelosi

The inclusion of Linda Sanchez on that list should have been the first clue that the people trying to rattle the most effective Speaker of the House in generations are pathetic power players. Linda Sanchez ended her pursuit of leadership in the Democratic caucus six days ago - after her husband was indicted on federal criminal charges in Connecticut. That Moulton was floating her name yesterday is indication that this group is not just behind the ballgame, they don’t even read the news.

Rep. Marcia Fudge has been out on the speaking circuits trying to accuse Pelosi of not paying attention to issues of race, but it will prove to be difficult as (a) Fudge has not yet declared her candidacy for speaker, and (b) black women in the House largely line up behind Pelosi, including the iconic Barbara Lee and Maxine Waters.

That leaves Karen Bass. In my judgment, Bass would have been the only credible challenger to Pelosi had she chosen to run. Not because of her gender or her race but because she was the only potential challenger who has had a job like this before. Karen Bass served as the 67th Speaker of the California State Assembly from 2008 to 2010, leading the legislature of the largest and most diverse state in the union.

The Only Credible Challenger to Nancy Pelosi's Speakership Just Endorsed Nancy Pelosi

The inclusion of Linda Sanchez on that list should have been the first clue that the people trying to rattle the most effective Speaker of the House in generations are pathetic power players. Linda Sanchez ended her pursuit of leadership in the Democratic caucus six days ago - after her husband was indicted on federal criminal charges in Connecticut. That Moulton was floating her name yesterday is indication that this group is not just behind the ballgame, they don’t even read the news.

Rep. Marcia Fudge has been out on the speaking circuits trying to accuse Pelosi of not paying attention to issues of race, but it will prove to be difficult as (a) Fudge has not yet declared her candidacy for speaker, and (b) black women in the House largely line up behind Pelosi, including the iconic Barbara Lee and Maxine Waters.

That leaves Karen Bass. In my judgment, Bass would have been the only credible challenger to Pelosi had she chosen to run. Not because of her gender or her race but because she was the only potential challenger who has had a job like this before. Karen Bass served as the 67th Speaker of the California State Assembly from 2008 to 2010, leading the legislature of the largest and most diverse state in the union.