Reed says he will back Schumer for Senate majority leader
The Rhode Island Democrat called the debate over who should lead Senate Democrats "healthy" and said Chris Van Hollen has "every right to offer" his vision, but said Schumer is "incredibly effective at the job."
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island said Thursday he will support Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York to lead Senate Democrats as majority leader in the new Congress, calling the debate over the post "healthy."
In a statement issued by his office, Reed, a Democrat, said "this historic election and the rebuke of President Trump" was "proof of Senator Schumer's capacity to plan, lead, and win." He said Schumer "listens to his caucus" and "works tirelessly for every Senator and for working people everywhere."
Reed also addressed Sen. Chris Van Hollen. "People like Chris Van Hollen have every right to offer their vision," Reed said, adding that the two "agree on many things" and that he believes Van Hollen shares the caucus's goal "to fight as hard as possible for everyday Americans."
"I will support Senator Schumer as leader for the simple reason that Chuck is incredibly effective at the job," Reed said.
Reed said the majority leader's role is to move legislation to help families and to harness the caucus's talent and viewpoints "against the unprecedented chaos and corruption of the Trump Administration."
"Our caucus, led by Chuck, will keep fighting, evolving, and winning," he said.
Democrats won a Senate majority in the Nov. 3 elections. Several Democrats have declined to back Schumer since then. Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal declined to endorse him Monday, saying Democrats need "new energy and ideas," The Signal reported, and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said Tuesday that he would not support Schumer, The Signal reported.
Van Hollen, of Maryland, is considering a challenge to Schumer, WTKR News 3 reported, according to The Signal's Tuesday story. Senate Democrats are expected to choose their leader by secret ballot in December, according to NewsNation.
Earlier coverage: Sanders says he won't back Schumer for Senate Democratic leader; Blumenthal declines to endorse Schumer for Senate majority leader
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