Dems See Tapping Rouse as Lost Opportunity

Democrats in Congress say President Obama’s decision to name insider Pete Rouse as his next chief of staff squanders an opportunity to turn around the party’s flagging fortunes with a new approach. Rather than appointing the consummate insider Rouse to replace Rahm Emanuel, many hoped Obama would opt for an outsider, Politico reports.

Some in Congress, including House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., say Obama should have broadened his horizons and chosen someone from the business world.

“They’re too disconnected from the grass roots and members of the House close to the grass roots. If they don’t change, we’ll probably be stuck in the same situation in two years, and then they’ll be on the ballot,” Rep. Michael Capuano, D-Mass., told Politico.