Woolsey reverses, will seek leadership of progressives

Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-Calif.) has changed her mind and will seek another term as co-chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Woolsey explained her decision by saying the group needs continuity. The caucus is already losing current co-chairwoman Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), who will become chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus next year.

{mosads}“I reconsidered the idea of not chairing the caucus and leaving it without the continuity and leadership I can bring,” Woolsey said.

In September, Woolsey had said it was time for “some new people in leadership.”

Woolsey announced her reversal in a brief e-mail to caucus members, saying she would send a more formal letter later. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) has also reportedly sent a similar memo expressing interest in leading the caucus. Attempts to reach his office for comment Tuesday were unsuccessful.

Woolsey said she wants to continue the two-person structure of the committee she chaired, explaining, “I’m running for co-chair.”

She also noted that the desk of Progressive Caucus executive director Bill Goold is already in her office, so if she continued, there would be less disruption.

Woolsey, a former welfare recipient who helped lead House opposition to the Iraq war, surprised many earlier this year when she endorsed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) in the presidential primary, even though Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) was seen as the more liberal candidate and more ardent war opponent.