Shuler v. Pelosi — a necessary challenge

A barely known Democratic member of the House has done what over a half-dozen more qualified of his colleagues have cowered in fear over — mount a challenge to Rep. Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) and her bid to remain the highest-ranking member when Democrats assume the minority in January.
 
Rep. Heath Shuler (N.C.), a former Heisman award winner, stepped up yesterday and announced his bid to unseat Pelosi as incoming minority leader. This isn’t some empty challenge, even though Shuler stands little chance. It’s one based on recognition of the political reality facing this party now — they’re about to be led over a cliff again by the same liberal shepherd.

Say what you will about the fella, but Shuler is no dummy. While traveling through his district in 2008, I asked a constituent if he knew the first vote his congressman cast every year. When the local businessman replied he did not, I told him that first vote was Shuler’s “aye” for liberal Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House. The gentleman about hit the floor. At first, he didn’t believe me, because Heath Shuler acts and thinks nothing like Pelosi.
I believe the reaction by this and thousands of other constituents struck a nerve with Shuler. He realized then and now that his party cannot — it must not — continue with the status quo sure to be promised by Pelosi.
 
Nothing about her candidacy says Pelosi has learned a lesson from these elections. Like President Obama, Pelosi feels she was right in the work she did, despite its utter repudiation by millions of Americans.
 
Shuler is not so sure, telling CNN on Sunday, “We have to go into those moderate areas, those swing districts, and be able to get great recruits or get back those members of Congress that we lost … I just don't see that path happening if we have her at the top of the leadership.” Truer words were never spoken.
 
The odd question for me is: Why can’t House Democratic leaders James Clyburn (S.C.) and Steny Hoyer (Md.) see this blinding glimpse of the obvious? Pelosi bought these two off for nothing more than political table scraps. “Assistant Leader”? Please. As if Pelosi will surrender any more of the power she lost as Speaker.
 
Yet Shuler's move may be the beginning of the end for Pelosi. She surely will survive this challenge, but what about the next one? What happens when, not if, her leadership on a particular measure comes under question from within her own ranks? The rift has been exposed now. And every move she makes from now on will be under intense scrutiny. Better settle in for a long 2011, folks ...

Armstrong Williams is on Sirius/XM Power 169, 7-8 p.m. and 4-5 a.m., Monday through Friday. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/arightside, and follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/arightside.