Rep. Larson: Leaving Dem caucus post is OK

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The head of the U.S. House Democratic Caucus must give up the position after four years because of term limits, but says he is looking to move on, not up.

Rep. John B. Larson of Connecticut declined to challenge Nancy Pelosi as House minority lLeader despite some appeals from colleagues, Roll Call reported Sunday.

Larson has held the leadership of the Democratic caucus for four years and cannot run again. Pelosi chose not to step down after the elections, which would have allowed Larson to join other House members in seeking her position.

If the elections had put Democrats in control of the House, "there would have been an opportunity for me," Larson said. "And if someone chose to step aside there would have been an opportunity for me. But I support all of them. I worked with all of them. I commend all of them. So that was never in the mix for me."

He said leaving his leadership role in the caucus was a "good thing" because it allowed other representatives to assume leadership roles.

"I've got plenty to do," Larson said.

He said he will now move his focus to mentoring newer members, and to his role on the Ways and Means Committee.