The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

(Page 2 of 2)

br> When Rahm Emanuel showed up in Washington as a special assistant to President Bill Clinton, he put off many of Clinton's own staffers because of his brash and overconfident manner. "He was an a--hole, but a competent a--hole," says a Clinton staffer. /p>

Emanuel is apparently proving no different his the second time around now that he's been elected to the House. The Chicago native was swept into office to hold the seat formerly held by convicted felon Dan Rostenkowski. In fact he was one of the few Democratic candidates who had Bill Clinton campaign for him and didn't end up losing (which would have taken some doing in his thoroughly Democratic district). And on the basis of that victory and his experience in the White House and on Capitol Hill, Emanuel is looking for a leadership slot in the upcoming congressional session.

According to several Democratic staffers, Emanuel has told incoming minority leader Nancy Pelosi that he'd like to be considered to lead the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the position that helps recruit prospective candidate, fundraises for them and helps the campaigns shape policy and message.

"Only a guy like Emanuel would have the chutzpah to pull something like this," says a Democratic House member. "And you know what? It might not be a bad idea. Who else have we got? If he can bring us a fresh set of recruits who will help us win, I'll learn to deal with his personality."

New York Rep. Nita Lowey served as DCCC head last time around and was by all accounts a disaster. Rep. Martin Frost previously held the position and he's looking for something to do now that he's out of leadership. Rep. Ed Markey is said to be a finalist for the job now, along with Rep. Bill Jefferson. As reported here yesterday, both are ultra-liberal -- no less so than Rahm Emanuel.

topics:
Nancy Pelosi, Bill Clinton, Environment, NATO