This Is How It’s Done
By Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is running to be ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. (gift link) Representative Gerald E. Connolly, 74, of Virginia, currently is chair. Because the Republicans will have a majority in the next Congress, the top Democrat will be ranking member.
This is how to change the “gerontocracy.” Younger members challenge older leadership and sometimes win. Older members may step down because they see a loss coming or because of health and other personal reasons. But don’t expect people holding power to step down just because it might be nice of them to lift up the next generation.
This is an important committee – it can investigate wrongdoing by Donald Trump and his cabinet. As ranking member, Ocasio-Cortez would have a platform to get information out, and even get investigations started if Republican members could be persuaded. Yes, unlikely, but she is a person who isn’t going to shut up and give up.
Punchbowl News (paywalled; Axios) has come up with a rumor that Nancy Pelosi is calling members to support Connolly. Connolly has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Ocasio-Cortez seems to be ahead. And I’m wondering if the rumor about Pelosi is even true; she is in Europe and has been injured and is in a hospital.