Charles P. Pierce: You Want Nancy Pelosi Out? Find Somebody Better.

[Hortensis]

41. Exactly. Good people are always being brought along.

Congressional leaders identify those who rise above or otherwise stand out in the crowd for good reasons. Also others who are becoming competent, responsible members of the caucus. This is a crucially important, ongoing part of being a congressional leader.

They choose whose abilities and personal power they should help develop, including by positioning on important committees and giving special assignments.

Of course some ambitious people aren't suited to this path to power for whatever reasons (Ted Cruz, Tulsi Gabbard for outstanding examples), including impatience, look for other routes to power, but people need to realize this is what is happening.