NY Dem lawmaker: I no longer support Pelosi as leader

Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday he does not plan to support House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) as the top Democrat in the House.

Higgins told The Buffalo News that he’s concerned about the lack of a cohesive party agenda, and hit Pelosi for her inaction on pushing Medicare and infrastructure legislation.

“She’s listening, but this is my conclusion: She’s aloof, frenetic and misguided,” Higgins said.

{mosads}

“I’m giving voice to a frustration that I hear every single day,” he added. “It’s members. I don’t want to call anybody out. But this is the conversation that is taking place.”

Pelosi indicated in a statement given to The Hill that the disagreement with Higgins stems from policy differences over Higgins’ Medicare legislation, which would allow Americans from the ages of 50 to 64 to buy into Medicare.

“Congressman Higgins is a respected Member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicare, and is a good place to garner support for his point of view,” Pelosi said.

“Every suggestion to improve quality and expand access to Medicare is on the table, including Congressman Higgins’ proposal,” she continued. “It has been a priority for House Democrats to improve Medicare benefits for current recipients as we review expanding Medicare access to younger populations.” 

“Fortunately, the House Democratic Caucus is full of entrepreneurial thinking and innovative ideas. We welcome a robust debate on the many proposals our Members have put forth, respecting policy differences, hopefully without personal attacks,” Pelosi said.

Republicans have latched onto Pelosi as a main target during the midterm campaign cycle.

The Republicans’ campaign arm is airing ads linking Democratic hopefuls to the party leader.

Meanwhile, a top GOP super PAC allied with House leadership is spending six-figures to promote a new digital ad that labels Pelosi as “Negative Nancy.”

A number of Democratic candidates have distances themselves from Pelosi, saying they would not support her as the party’s leader after the November elections.

Pelosi has welcomed the strategy, saying last month that winning elections is worth the cost of enduring attacks on her status as leader.

“Many are saying we need new leadership. I don’t take offense at that,” she said.

“I’m OK. Just win, baby.”

Updated at 11:40 a.m.