Congressional Black Caucus chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) would vote for Marcia Fudge (D-OH) as the next House Speaker over Nancy Pelosi because they’re friends, um, “closer.” Not more qualified….closer.

He told CNN’s Manu Raju that “he would support Fudge over Pelosi because he’s “closer” to Fudge. He also said there’s “dog whistle undertones in the campaign” against Jim Clyburn for majority whip. (DeGette is challenging him.) “I’m still angry about it,” Richmond said.”

CBC Chairman Cedric Richmond told me he would support Fudge over Pelosi because he’s “closer” to Fudge. He also said there’s “dog whistle undertones in the campaign” against Jim Clyburn for majority whip. (DeGette is challenging him.) “I’m still angry about it,” Richmond said

— Manu Raju (@mkraju) November 16, 2018

Cedric Richmond, CBC chairman, told me about CBC loyalties: If Fudge declares “it’s going to give a lot of members pause to reevaluate their decision …. People around the country would be surprised about how many people around the country would decommit and recommit for Marcia”

— Manu Raju (@mkraju) November 16, 2018

Let that sink in….he would rather have a friend, who has zero qualifications, become the next House Speaker than someone who actually has a history of producing results.

By the way, Richmond doesn’t want a challenger for Jim Clyburn, who is black, but he wants one for Nancy Pelosi, and one that’s his friend.

This is not a good look for the CBC. If this is his position, maybe he needs to step aside as chairman because friendships don’t pass legislation. Hard work and experience do.

Reaction on Twitter:

@CedricRichmond I’m wondering how much damage you can inflict on an otherwise successful midterm. Elect Nancy with a transition plan & some experienced younger members on her team. Dont blowup next 2 years leading into a vital presidential election with a reckless decision.

— P Ebo (@EBOlady) November 16, 2018

@CedricRichmond, this is a war for our democracy — don’t pick the General based on friendship!

We need the most experienced, shrewd, battle-ready Speaker possible to defend against all the underhanded, dishonest, evil tactics GOP/Trump will surely throw at us. #TeamPelosi

— Ima Private Person (@ImaPrivate) November 16, 2018

Black Caucus Chair Cedric Richmond Would Pick Marcia Fudge as House Speaker Because They’re “Closer” (Friends)