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Larson Shrugs Off Loss of Leadership Post

By Ana Radelat

November 15, 2012

U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, who has been the fourth-ranking member of the House Democratic leadership since 2006, was gracious on Thursday about losing a game of political musical chairs this week.

"My grandfather Nolan used to say, peacock one day, feather duster the next, so I am heading up the feather duster caucus," Larson said.

Larson is term-limited from running again to head the Democratic caucus in the new Congress. The decisions of Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and the Nos. 2 and 3 House Democratic leaders to run for their jobs again left Larson odd man out.

But he has a powerful committee assignment, a seat on the Ways and Means Committee, and is in line to be the highest-ranking Democrat on one of the panel's subcommittees.

"So I'll be playing a significant role on the Ways and Means Committee and also be part of leadership in some capacity, not elected, but I'll be working some way with the leaders and the new members," Larson said.