http://electioncentral.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2006/nov/16/blue_dog_dems_demand_pelosi_support_harman_for_intel_committee_chairElection Central has just obtained a letter that has been sent by the conservative Blue Dog Coalition of Dems to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging that she back Rep. Jane Harman to chair the Intelligence Committee.
As the panel's ranking Dem, Harman is the logical choice for the Intel committee. But Pelosi -- who failed today in her bid to install Jack Murtha as House Majority Leader over the Blue Dog-backed Steny Hoyer -- appears to have been pushing Rep. Alcee Hastings for the Intel gig. The letter -- which was voted on and given the necessary 2/3 vote to make it an official Blue Dog position -- suggests that Pelosi may be about to get hit by another revolt against her pick by rank-and-file House members. The letter reads:
"As members of the Blue Dog Coalition, we are writing today to express our strong support for our colleague Congresswoman Jane Harman's appointment as Chair of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence...
We have given our full confidence to Congresswoman Harman to lead the Intelligence Committee and respectfully request that you do the same."
Full letter and signatories here:
http://electioncentral.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2006/nov/16/blue_dog_dems_demand_pelosi_support_harman_for_intel_committee_chair