Rep. Himes undecided on Pelosi as leader

Another House Democrat expressed reservations Tuesday about Speaker Nancy Pelosi's campaign to become minority leader in the next Congress. 

Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) said he was undecided on whether or not he will back Pelosi (Calif.) for another term as Democratic leader, saying he wants to see if any other candidates jump in the ring against her.

"I withhold judgment on that," Himes told Ridgefield, Conn., Patch. "I haven't heard of anyone else who wants to compete yet."

Eight House Democrats have gone further than Himes, saying they will oppose Pelosi's bid to become minority leader, but his comments suggest more could either withhold their votes or vote against her.

So far, no other House Democrat has decided to run against Pelosi for the top post in the Democratic caucus. Conservative Blue Dog Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) has said he would run against Pelosi if no other suitable challenger arose, but he has remained silent since the San Francisco Democrat officially announced she would seek a term as minority leader. 

Pelosi's opponents blame her for the Democrats losing 60 seats and their majority in last week's midterm election. In the lead-up to the election, Republicans hit their rivals for supporting the Speaker. 

Her supporters have instead blamed the struggling economy for the Democrats' devastating losses.

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