Rep. Diana DeGette said today she woule consider running for majority whip, the third-highest leadership position in the U.S. House, if the Democrats take control of the U.S. House after Tuesday’s election.
“There’s a group of members that’s been been urging me to run for whip,” said DeGette, D-Denver. “It’s definitely something I would look at if we take the majority.”
Until now, DeGette has been reluctant to discuss her ambitions for a leadership position in the next Congress.
DeGette, if she runs, would compete against Rep. James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, leader of the Democratic Caucus and the sole African-American in top Democratic leadership.
Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois may also seek the job, some Democrats say. He is chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and would receive significant laurels if Democrats regain control.
Asked if she would take on Clyburn or Emanuel or both, DeGette said “it’s just something I would have to look at. I would have to talk to a lot of members.”
DeGette said many prominent House Democrats have asked her to run. She would not identify those people.
The Denver lawmaker currently is chief deputy minority whip and is close to Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, who is minority whip. He too is expected to run for majority leader if Democrats take over.
Democrats said DeGette would need to start collecting vote commitments early, asking for support as Election Day returns come in, as she calls to congratulate people on their victories. DeGette has campaigned for and given money to many candidates.
