WASHINGTON, D.C. (MPRN)-- Democrats in Michigan’s Congressional delegation began the new session still divided over their leadership in the U.S. House.
Members elected Nancy Pelosi Speaker of the House Thursday.
Congressman Dan Kildee of Flint Township previously expressed concerns about Pelosi serving as speaker. He said there should be a plan in place to eventually replace her. Kildee says because that plan now exists he ultimately voted for Pelosi.
“I think we, in effect, get the strength and toughness and intellect that she brings to today’s debate. And also, we’ll now have lots of new members, myself included, as a part of the leadership structure,” he says.
Kildee will serve as the House Democrats’ chief deputy whip.
Another Michigan Democrat, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, did not vote in favor of Pelosi for speaker. She was marked only as “present” during the vote.