Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan says she will not back anyone for Senate Democratic leader until they show her a concrete plan that is definitively different. She is also suggesting her colleagues withhold quorum if only one candidate stands.
“Whoever wants my vote is going to have to show me a concrete plan that’s definitively different. I’m a no until and unless I see that from anyone,” Slotkin told reporters at the Capitol on Tuesday, standing beside Senator Bernie Sanders. “And frankly, suggest that my peers withhold quorum. And if there’s only going to be one candidate, withhold quorum until you get that plan and you feel like you have a voice in that plan. That’s my personal view.”
Sanders said at the same appearance that he will not support Chuck Schumer to lead Senate Democrats in the new Congress, calling it “the time is now for change.” Slotkin has also said she had a productive conversation with Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland about a possible candidacy; Van Hollen has not declared and says there should be “no coronation.” Schumer, who has led Senate Democrats since 2017, says he is confident he will be elected majority leader. The vote is by secret ballot in December, and at least seven incoming Democratic senators have declined to commit to him.
Full story: https://zarknews.com/sanders-will-not-back-schumer-senate-democratic-leader/
Sources: Associated Press; Bloomberg Government. Video: Associated Press (short excerpt from the Capitol press conference).
