Schakowsky Leads Vice-Chair Race

By Hans Nichols

The Hill

April 19, 2005

Rep Jan. Schakowsky (D-Ill.) has vaulted herself into the lead in the race to become vice chairwoman of the Democratic caucus, adding 13 more names of public backers and bringing her list of supporters to 38.

“I expect my organization to continue to grow,” Schakowsky said.

In second place stands Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.), who has released the names of 32 public supporters. Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) has only made his whip team public and is expected to share the names of his backers later this week.

Schakowsky’s list includes many of the party’s stalwart progressives but also includes Rep. Hilda Solis (D-Calif.), a popular member in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Schakowsky has also earned the backing of Rep. David Obey (D-Wis.), the ranking member on the Appropriations Committee, as well as Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) from one of Larson’s neighboring states. “I am so honored to have David Obey. … I think his name and his support add a great deal to my campaign. “

In addition, she has won the support of Democratic Reps. Bob Filner (Calif.), Donald Payne (N.J.), Barbara Lee (Calif.) Shelley Berkeley, Lloyd Doggett (Texas), Jim McDermott (Wash.), Corrine Brown (Fla.), Doris Matsui (Calif.) and Dale Kildee (Mich.) and Del. Donna Christian-Christensen (V.I.).