Pelosi Must Walk a Narrow Tightrope Too

Amy Walter: “On paper, Democrats have a 222-213 margin in the House. But, just 219 Democrats are currently serving in Congress. Three Democrats — Reps. Cedric Richmond (LA-02), Deb Haaland (NM-01), and Marcia Fudge (OH-11) — have been tapped to serve in the Biden Administration. All three represent safe Democratic seats. But, only one (LA-02) will be filled before May (two Democrats face off in an April 24 run-off). The New Mexico special election isn’t until June 1. In Ohio, the special election to fill the Cleveland-based 11th doesn’t occur until November 2.”

“There’s also the possibility that some other Democratic House members are plucked for political positions around the country. In California, for example, Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-28) is in the mix to replace HHS Sec. Xavier Beccera as the state’s Attorney General.”

“This means that at least until November, House Democratic leadership can afford to lose just two to four Democratic votes. In other words, while Sen. Joe Manchin gets outsized attention for his single-handed ability to stymie Democrats’ agenda, less attention has been given to the three to five Democrats who could hold up legislation from even getting to the Senate.”