National Journal: House Republicans Add Democrats to Their Transition Team With Limited Advisory Role
Washington
(Nov 17)
House Republicans Add Democrats to Their Transition Team With Limited Advisory Role
by Major Garrett
Tuesday, November 16, 2010 | 7:15 p.m.
The incoming House Republican majority, already hungrily eyeing prime Democratic office space in the Capitol, will attempt to make the Democrats' transition to minority status a bit easier by adding two Dems – Robert Brady of Pennsylvania and Robert Andrews of New Jersey – as advisers to
the GOP transition team, National Journal has learned.
The chairman of the House GOP transition effort, Greg Walden of Oregon, spoke with Brady, currently the House Administration Committee chairman, and Andrews today to confirm their participation and outline their limited advisory role.
Outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi referred Brady and Andrews to Minority Leader John Boehner, who first raised the idea of Democratic participation in the Republican transition at a face-to-face meeting with Pelosi more than a week ago.
According to Walden aides, Brady and Andrews will have no role in setting GOP policy or House rules. They will be limited to offering "the perspective of their leadership and members on how the House could be better structured." What’s more, the Democrats' advice will be solicited only after incoming and incumbent House Republicans have been briefed and consulted on transition plans this week.
No Republicans participated in the Democrats' transition moves after they regained the House majority in the 2006 midterm elections.
Brady and Andrews will serve as "liaisons" to the GOP, representing their fellow Democrats on nonpolicy issues, such as scheduling floor and committee activity, increasing committee transparency, and improving essential House operations and procedures.
Brendan Daly, Pelosi’s spokesman, confirmed to National Journal that Pelosi tapped Brady and Andrews for the tasks and that their role in the transition will be limited. Pelosi will also circulate to all Democratic staff a survey that Walden’s transition team generated seeking cost-saving ideas in House operations.
Daly said that Democrats did not even discuss including Republicans in their transition plans after their 2006 triumph. In retrospect, he said, that was an "oversight."
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