Ill. Dem on support for Pelosi: ‘I would have to see who’s running’

A progressive Democrat running for a House seat in Illinois said in a new interview that she might not support House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) as the Democrats’ leader.

“I would have to see who’s running,” Marie Newman told The New York Times when asked if she would back Pelosi as Speaker if Democrats seize control of the House.

Republicans have attempted to tie Democratic candidates in last week’s Pennsylvania special election and other races across the country to Pelosi, who is unpopular in certain districts.

Pelosi downplayed such criticism, however, saying Democratic candidate Conor Lamb won the election in Pennsylvania.

She also defeated a challenge from Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) for leadership of the party in 2016. {mosads}

Newman is running to unseat Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-Ill.), who has held his seat for more than a decade. His father previously represented the district.

Progressives have been heavily targeting Lipinski, arguing that his views are out of touch with the district and Democratic Party. 

A recent poll conducted by Public Policy Polling shows Lipinski with 43 percent of the vote and Newman with 41 percent. Fifteen percent of likely Democratic primary voters are undecided.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) earlier this month backed Newman in the race.

Newman and Lipinski will square off in a primary on Tuesday.