Dem leadership challenge looking unlikely

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- The bid of a young, African-American congressman to succeed Dick Gephardt as the top Democrat in the House looked increasingly quixotic Tuesday -- despite the support of a few key Democratic colleagues.

Harold Ford, Jr., a 32-year-old, third term lawmaker representing Memphis, Tenn., made headlines last week when he announced his bid for House Minority Leader. The only other challenger to leading candidate Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., pulled out, saying she had the position all sewn up.

More than 110 of the 202 Democrats that will serve in the next Congress have already stated their public support for Pelosi, practically assuring her of the Minority Leader post.

The move has garnered Ford -- a conservative Democrat -- much media attention and the support of a few lawmakers who say his candidacy underlines the need for fresh ideas within the Democratic party. But his support looks like it will be very light, Democratic strategists said Tuesday -- even from those Democratic groups of which he is a member.

The Congressional Black Caucus, a coalition of 38 African-American lawmakers -- has not taken an official position on his candidacy. But most of its top leaders -- including chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, -- said Tuesday that they were supporting Rep. Pelosi.

"Congresswoman Johnson believes Ms. Pelosi has the ability to bring all sides of the party together -- and she's supportive of her stance on the issues," said Rachael Sullivan, Rep. Johnson's spokeswoman.

The House's New Democrats -- a coalition of centrist Democrats to which Ford belongs -- had also not taken an official position. But Congressman Adam Smith, D-Wash., said that most members of the group would support the more experienced Pelosi -- even though her politics are more liberal than many of its members. Smith, however, said he personally planned to support Ford despite his slim chances.

"Harold has a desire to shake things up, and that's what the party needs," Smith told United Press International. "In this election, the centrist Democratic message stunk just as bad as the liberal message. But the answer is not to go the way of the Ralph Nader Democrats and get the support of 40 percent or less of Americans. Harold has a better understanding of our needs as a party."

With support for Ford so low, a key question being debated by Democratic strategists Tuesday was why Ford decided to enter a battle he was sure to lose.

"Most members will look at this as kind of foolish," said Tony Coelho, a Democratic strategist. "It's about moving forward and governing, not about being Don Quixote."

Supporters of Ford say he charts a new path for the Democratic Party. He supports presidential trade promotion authority, and has been a strong advocate for charter schools -- neither are traditional Democratic caucus positions.

Ford -- who is also a member of the Southern conservative "Blue Dog" caucus -- which has also not endorsed him -- has voted for prayer in school and anti-flag burning constitutional amendments, for fast track trade authority, repeal of the estate tax, and permanent normal trade relations with China.

Pelosi's politics, on the other hand, are solidly liberal. The 8th term Congresswoman from San Francisco was the key sponsor of a bill to condition China's "Most Favored Nation" trade status on human rights reforms. She has worked to restore welfare for legal immigrants, has supported needle exchanges and is against banning partial birth abortion.

Some Democratic strategists have said they believe the appointment of Pelosi will pull the party in too liberal a direction. But other analysts said Tuesday Pelosi's support is less about policy and more about her ability to bring lawmakers and the party into line.

Pelosi, now the Minority Whip, has been a key fundraiser for House Democrats, and has the personal allegiance from many in the party.

"The job of the Minority leader will really be to organize the House and stay out of the way of the 2004 presidential candidates, who will set the tone on message," said Democratic Consultant Kenneth Baer. "Pelosi is a very able person, really able to organize the House. That's what's going to be important."