Crockett slams Democrats for choosing ‘seniority’ over ‘best equipped’ person

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) accuses Democrats of choosing Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) over Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Va.) New York Democrat) serves as the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee in the upcoming Congress.

“While I think both are absolutely qualified, I do think within the Democratic caucus we’re really stuck in the old way of doing things, which is getting there based on seniority. So if you’re there longer, you’re Getting this position, I don’t think we’re going to completely sit there and say, ‘Who’s probably best equipped in this moment?'” Crockett said on MSNBC on Saturday, as highlighted by Mediaite.

Crockett, a member of the committee, added that while she doesn’t necessarily think Connolly is currently equipped to lead the committee, she believes Democratic voters are looking for congressional leaders who are open to new measures.

“I think they’re saying, ‘We’re counting on you to show us that you’re willing to change things if it means we can move this country forward,'” Crockett said.

Connolly defeated Ocasio-Cortez in a vote earlier this month to give Democrats the top seat on the committee. Connolly’s victory was expected after Monday, when the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), voted to recommend the Virginia native for the position.

Connolly also has the support of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who lobbies on his behalf.

In the interview, Crockett also suggested that Democrats should consider imposing time limits on committee leadership positions, a strategy that would be consistent with Republican conference rules that limit chairs and ranking members to serving no more than three consecutive terms.

“I think in the caucus we’re going to have some conversations about how to provide leadership, because on the Republican side, they have term limits, so you can’t sit in those positions for too long, so they end up putting out more leadership. layer.

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