Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is urging lawmakers on Capitol Hill to support Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., in her bid for another term as House speaker.
The Democratic lawmaker released a statement through his office on Wednesday and said he has the "utmost respect" for Pelosi, who first took office in 1987.
"I have worked with Nancy Pelosi in Congress, and I have clashed with Nancy Pelosi as White House chief of staff. I know a tough negotiator when I see one, and I have the utmost respect for Leader Pelosi and her strengths," said Emanuel, who worked in the Obama White House.
"As we prepare to head into one of the most consequential Congresses in modern history, and one of the most important presidential elections in American history, this is no time to have a rookie sitting across the table from Mitch McConnell or Donald Trump or both."
Democrats took control of the House in the recent midterm elections. Republicans added to their Senate majority and elected McConnell to another term as the chamber's leader.
Emanuel said Pelosi, 78, has what it takes to wield the speaker's gavel again. She previously served in the role from 2007-2011.
"Nancy Pelosi is as tough and cagey as McConnell is ruthless and Trump is unprincipled," Emanuel said. "It is time for a speaker that can go toe-to-toe with both of them in support of Democratic values. Rookies need not apply. Let's keep our eye on the prize."
Several Democrats revealed in recent days and weeks that they would not vote for Pelosi, but two of them — Reps. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio, and Brian Higgins, D-N.Y., — have since changed their minds.
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